Describe the major migrations into the caribbean and explain their impact on

Caribbean Society.

The Amerindians which consisted of the Tainos, Kalinagos and the Mayans, migrated
into the Western Hemisphere from Siberia and Asia via a body of water known as the Bering
Strait. During the winter the water formed into a frozen ice bridge and so these indigenous
people crossed the ice bridge into Alaska. They continued there journey into the new world
where they settled in parts of Central and South America. It was estimated that they arrived in the
caribbean in 5000BCE. The Tainos controlled the Greater Antilles, while the Mayans controlled
areas in Central America and the Kalinagos controlled the Lesser Antilles. Caribbean people
have a rich history and culture. This was largely because of the impact of the indigenous
Amerindian people. The Tainos for example introduced the spaniards to tobacco smoking. They
also introduces foods such as Cassava, maize and pepper pot. They added to our language and
dictionary with words such as hammock and tobacco. Amerindians have contributed to our
national symbols and currency; particularly in Trinidad and Jamaica. They have also significantly
contributed to our heritage sites and places of attraction in the Caribbean such as the Kalingo
village in St. Vincent and a number on Mayan sites in Belize.
The Europeans made a significant contribution to almost every aspect of Caribbean
history and Culture. They came as conquistadors, who came with hope of getting rich quickly
and returning home, as well as colonists, which were persons who migrated to settle and make
the islands their home. Spain was the first European Country to explore the Caribbean, followed
by other European nations such as England, Holland and France. A Spanish Conquistador named
Christopher Columbus first came to the New World in 1492, he first landed in the Bahamas and
then went on to explore and claim the islands in the Greater and Lesser Antilles for the Spanish
Royalties. The Caribbean was to become a centre, the purpose of which was the generate wealth
for the Imperial Powers of Europe. In Caribbean Society today, we see the impact of the
European people. They introduced a spread of Christian Dominations beginning with Roman
Catholicism and later on with religions such as Baptist, Methodist and Quakers. They brought in
foods such as cakes, ties and pies. The suits and ties worn by men and the array of dresses for
women today are also from the European people. Major sports in the Caribbean today such as
cricket, football and netball as well as forms of music and dance such as classical ballet,
ballroom dancing and orchestras originate from the Europeans. Other influences such as our
Westminster system of government, our colonial education system, our buildings such as
cathedrals, forts and great houses and last but not least out diverse language groups such
Spanish, English, French and Dutch.
As early as 1515, Spain gave the license known as the asiento to Portugal to supply
enslaved Africans to the Caribbean to work alongside the indigenous peoples. In the 1640s, the
demand for enslaved labour grew massive. About 15-20 million enslaved Africans were brought
to the caribbean during the plantation era. These enslaved africans were treated horrendously;
they were beaten on many occasions, they were prevented from practicing their religion and
culture and from socializing. The enslaved Africans were able to retain some aspects of their
culture, despite the various methods of control and repression. A number of indigenous religions
have been influenced by african beliefs. Examples of these are Vodun or Obeah, Revival, Orisha,
shango and spiritual baptists. The Kenth cloth and African styles of dress can be seen in
caribbean society today. A wide variety of foods such and yam and coucou, as well caribbean
music and dance came from the Africans. The rhythm and beat of drums is very popular in the
caribbean music industry today. Languages such as various creoles and patois show African
influence in many Caribbean islands.
After slavery was abolished, the plantations needed persons to work on them and so the
Europeans had to bring in persons from Europe, India, China and Africa to work on the land for
cheap labour. In the Caribbean there were two period of indentureship; from 1600 to 1640 and
1838 to 1917. Places like Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica had large plantations and required a lot
of labour and so these indentured servants were brought there. Both the Chinese and Indians
have contributed to Caribbean culture and identity. The Indians brought with them their hindi
religion, customs and traditions. They built mosques and temples in countries like Trinidad and
Guyana. The indians introduced foods such as rice and curry as well as many spices and
seasonings. The Chinese people too have stamped their impressions on Caribbean society. They
brought about dishes such as chop suey and pak choy. The sweet and sour method of cooking
chicken and pork came from these very chines. They introduced ice-cream parlors and opens
restaurants and shopkeeping businesses.
These four major groups individuals made the Caribbean region what it is today. It is
displayed in the young faces of the children of our forefathers, in architecture, food, culture,
mannerisms and the local peoples general way of life.