Introduction to the Pan-Caribbean

Book excerpt: With its diverse histories of slavery, plantations, colonialism and independence, the Caribbean is richly layered, highly complex and a wonderful example of people's resistance. The pan-Caribbean region also provides an excellent geography through which to understand and analyse the complex processes of globalisation, development, migration, tourism, and social and cultural relations. While the sea, sun and sand representation is a true one -some of the most beautiful places on earth are found in the Caribbean - the pan-Caribbean is much more intricate and fascinating than that. Where else in the world do French, Spanish, Dutch and English-speaking worlds co-exist alongside indigenous peoples and cultures? Where else have cultures of carnival, music and dance become so integrated into national and regional identities? The Caribbean is a crucible of diversity and semblance and a space that is both contradictory and harmonious. Introduction to the Pan-Caribbean has been written by people who are either from the region or have spent much of their working lives there. It is an excellent introduction and is your map through one of the most extraordinary and remarkable parts of the world.