How do one identify his or herself with Caribbean Identity?

When I was first ask the question, how do you,  identify with the Caribbean? Or, is the Caribbean  a copy of west Africa, European or East Asia culture. How can one distinguish itself as Caribbean? 

Well, When our public relation Officer Alexander Johnson essentially  said,  " Kevin, what does Caribbean Identity mean to you" I sat down with my pen searching for words that best represents my true Caribbean identity. In the moment I thought of so many great things, such as our lovely beaches, our breathtaking caves,our no where else in the world found cuisine, Our literature that emanates from the many literary writers of the region and our great political icons. With little time to write and only 500 words!".

I wanted to write one big statement that seems to crop  up in several places ,and that is " A melting pot of flavours and cultures to form this unique dish of caribbeaness". Whether that be the food we eat the music we sing or the stories we tell. The Caribbean society has been impacted by many groups of people from our indigenous population crossing the frozen bering being the first civilization to inhabit the seas of the Americas. To our European oppressors who saw the Caribbean as and artificial means to serve their own economic needs. 

Through our experiences of slavery and Indenture and even colonization. We as Caribbean people have created a culturally diverse region, with various ethnic groups, each, with its own cultural traits. So as you turn the pages of our upcoming magazine I Am Caribbean come and find your true Caribbean identity. Whether regional or international find that unique substance that distinguishes your identity.