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Robert Nelson a calypsonian singer whose country of origin was Tobago, and was better known as Lord Nelson left his home and traveled to America, where he was shipped to the army. This is where he found his true talent for singing. Often singing for his comrades and later returning home to pursue his love for music. In 1982 Lord Nelson produced a song called “Family” that broadcasted the words “All ah we is one family”. This spoke to the people and became a staple in society even being played in the present day. However, the question still remains of whether the Caribbean is truly one, or if this expression is a myth. In the Caribbean often times people depict crystal waters and lush greenery, wildlife, a vacation for many who do not live in the islands, but just as any other country the Caribbean has a lot more to offer. Their roots and traditional run deep and culture stands at the forefront of the people's beliefs and daily lives. They have withstood every persecution against them from people who wanted to claim their lands. While the Caribbean is a beautiful paradise to be appreciated, many must not forget the trials these great people overcame. Moving forward the purpose of this blog is to present the following information which shall explore and analyze the true meaning behind this phrase, and how these words can convey in relation to the historical and social concepts as it relates to the Caribbean, demonstrating that to some extent the Caribbean can be seen as one, through culture while in contrast voicing differences in race and political views.

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The Caribbean has been known for some of the most major unfolding of events throughout early history. The encounter of Africans, Europeans, and the indigenous people in the Caribbean is still one of the most sort out historical events to have unraveled. Which lead to the Caribbean being mainly inhabited by Africans, and a small percentage of Europeans and East Asians.

For many people, when asked about their idea of unity in the Caribbean they will reply by saying “Culture”. Culture is defined as the beliefs and practices of a group of people who understand themselves, the world and organize their individual and collective lives through socializing and is shared by members of a society. In the Caribbean culture plays a significant role in what makes the people of these divine islands so unique and special. The Caribbean is known for its love of cricket, a sport played by two teams each equipped with eleven players who score by making runs or points. This is achieved by hitting the ball with a bat across the boundary or by running between wickets, which are wooden posts stationed on the side of each batsman. On the 29th June, 1950 a team of cricketers playing as the “West Indies”, had finally produced a win in a test match against England. Numerous people saw this as more than just the start of a conquest or comeback but it was the evolution of an independent triumph. The stadiums became full with West Indian supporters who were proud to be from the Caribbean. They would chant and play Calypso music to entice the crowd in dance. On June 21st 1975 and June 23rd 1979, the West Indies claimed their first two World Cups in the ICC which is the International Cricket Championship. The ICC is held every four years with first qualification rounds leading up to semifinals and then the final tournament. This proved to many locals that they were very much capable of excelling at England's own game, making it ever more worthwhile. From then onward Cricket became the most popular sport in the Caribbean. The Caribbean still relives that day as many families gather around the television to enjoy the games, support their country and favorite players as they set the playing fields on fire once more. They often enjoy beer such as “Stag", or “Carib” which are local drinks. They also take part in cooking and “Liming”, this is where people come together to relish in each other’s company.

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In addition, Carnival was thought to be influenced by western religious beliefs and is tied to Easter-Lenten observations emerging from West African festivals expressed by Corey Gilkes. The French began their carnival traditions which were seen as opportunities to masquerade in festive colors with elegant foods, decorations and hunting parties. Following this Africans began to partake in these activities after the Emancipation Bill was passed and would celebrate for three days straight until upper class people began to criticize and exclaimed their need for the sabbath to be acknowledged. This led to Carnival being limited to only two days, Monday and Tuesday.  In modern day Carnival many men and women partake in festive demeanor while shaking their hips to the sound of the soca music. Ranging in age many wait whole year for the arrival of these events, paying for the best quality in costumes and exercising to achieve a “coca cola”, physic. While welcoming carnival mass as a big part in the celebration many singers and songwriters see this period as an opportunity to craft their skills and compete in soca monarchs to win “Road March”, the title of best song for most played when masqueraders cross the stage.  Music is a way of life in the Caribbean, a way to relief stress, to get up and move your body to the base and tempo, and feel the rhythm. Music ranges in the Caribbean in many variations such as; Jamaica where reggae and dancehall is produced, Trinidad where soca and calypso originates, and Puerto Rico where salsa is learnt including many more countries. The real reason behind music was to be a voice for people, music was not just words simply written on paper to appease the crowds but a cry for change to be made. People looked towards a better day and as the late singer Bob Marley said “Cause all I ever have … Redemption songs”. -(Bob Marley 1980). To many people music was hope. To many people songs were a form of freedom, a way to express yourself and even now many people use music and art as a way to connect with their backgrounds. Following many talented stars from previous generations they carry on tradition.

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In comparison to why the Caribbean is not seen as unified, many people may come together to partake in the enjoyment of these activities but often times religion, crime rates, race and political views separated a civilization. In history Africans were seen as less in society and European culture was meant to be followed. Religions were limited as Christianity grew high in the upbringing of slaves and European people. In present day this same mentality can be observed as many men and women are looked down on for being a believer in a certain tradition. Often times leading to a person being ashamed to even proclaim their religion boldly to society. Furthermore, some religious leaders are not true to their teachings, as they scam and feed off of many innocent people for money promising fortune.  People of Muslim faith are seen as terrorist and threats to society without even having a conviction. They are looked down on and thought to be feared by children. African descended people, mainly men are still being seen as robbers or having an involvement in gangs and drugs. They are told that if they excelled in school it was rare. Why should African descended people be subjected to the notion that it was unusual for them to been seen as attractive, or for an East Asian descended person to be confused of where they belong in societies self-made categories.  In February 1970 the Black power movement in Trinidad was a serious challenge to the dominant cultural ideology based on European culture even after the colonial era. African Trinidadians were struggling from as early on as the 1960s and early 1970s with social and economic equality. After seeing the progress that had been obtained in America by people like Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks people in Trinidad wanted more to be done, and on February 26th ,1970 people marched to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Independence Square, Port of Spain, destroying the statues in the church. They declared that they wanted to be treated equally. Prompting to the Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams and governor Sir. Solomon Hochoy to invoke a state of emergency, and on April 21th ,1970 he issued an arrest for anyone involved with the Black Power movement and the Trade Union leaders. In past generations many people plead with authorities for Emancipation but yet many are still slaves to mental slavery, and crimes are still being committed. Women are still being abused and a clear division in societal standards are being made.

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Moreover, persons with different views are seen as threats. Political parties are taken seriously as a movement to a better tomorrow, but when opposing parties are standing face to face so does the citizens of the land leading to conflict between people, and as years past crime rates go up. If the Caribbean is seen as one why do people see each other as less worthy to live. The people of these colorful islands must uplift their brothers and sisters not bring them down to raise themselves up, and not contradict their opinions and views that doesn’t relate or agree with their own views. They should embrace change and difference because with that, diversity can be achieved and new things can be developed.  All things considered, the Caribbean is a place different from other countries and can be seen as unified to some extent as music and culture take over, as traditions are passed on from generations to generations and people find reasons to revisit their roots. Carnival brings together people from all over with different races, with unique appearances and music charm their heads, while food and drinks satisfy their taste buds, not forgetting the scenery of lush agriculture and wildlife. Although the Caribbean can be seen as one there are many reasons for why there is a division among the people. Many people still look at race as a form of weakness even after chains had been removed from their ankles and European teaching is still being passed on. Crime and violence are still prominent in society and many are not their brother's keepers. Political parties are now a form of rivalry among citizens, and women and men are judged based on their outward appearances. To sum up everything the Caribbean can be seen from both perspectives in relation to the level of unity in these islands.