The Year of the Poet VI March 2019

ForewordC a r r i b be a n"When i stepped into this project as a member of the Poetry Posse/Inner Child Press International and Cultural Ambassador i asked myself what's the most prevalent vibe you feel when you hear " The Caribbean " and immediately the first word that came to mind is diversity, immediately followed by " flavor " plenty of both. The area that constitutes the Caribbean is vast, over one million sq. miles comprised of over 700 Islands including Island nations. In the east bordering the Caribbean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, South East of the Gulf of Mexico and North American mainland. East of Central America, North of South America. Personification of diversity manifest in ethnicity, language, religions, politics etc. Impacted by colonization by the likes of England, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands etc. The slave trade played a major part on the region with many west Africans captured by slave traders being sent to Caribbean Islands bringing their culture, art, music, religions, etc. that had and to this day have a profound effect on the entire region. Actually the Colonial invaders that seized large swaths of territory also left their mark on the inhabitants till this day as well even though most of the Caribbean Nations have achieved independence. Diversity also goes beyond human beings, their respective cultures, religions, etc. It spills over into Bio-diversity: The Caribbean islands have one of the most diverse eco systems in the world. The animals, fungi and plants, and have been classified as one of Conservation International's biodiversity hotspots because of their exceptionally diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests, to tropical rainforest, to cactus scrublands. The region also contains about 8% (by surface area) of the world's coral reefs along with extensive seagrass meadows, both of which are frequently found in the shallow marine waters bordering the island and continental coasts of the region. Economies vary, GDP per capita (PPP) (US$) ranges as high as $32,000 (Bahamas) to $1,300 (Haiti) Economic activity include resources for trade such as fruits, beans, wood, etc. Caribbean Islands are blessed with very fertile land for farming. Of course Tourism is the main industry that floats the economy in many of the Caribbean Island countries given beautiful tropical weather, beach's, resort facilities/hotels ideal for vacationing all year around. The region also features beautiful coral reefs and rain forests essential to the environment. Languages include, English, Spanish, French (Creole), Dutch, etc. Culture is influenced by European, African and indigenous traditions. Two major indigenous groups are Taino in the Greater Antilles and the Caribs in the Lesser Antilles." [...]