I explore in this chapter two forms of identity, which, intentionally or unintentionally, define the Caribbean diasporan self-understanding in order to determine the Caribbean diaspora as a distinct community of people. In my initial discussions to explore the topic of the Caribbean diaspora, my conversants expressed disinterest, dismay or even disregard for the subject. I recalled being told bluntly in my earliest discussions that there was no such thing as a Caribbean diaspora. In subsequent discussions, I was asked about the value of referring to Caribbean people living in foreign countries as a diaspora. People also questioned whether this was not a way of separating Caribbeaners from others of African descent. They asked: Is this another attempt to create an ethnic enclave and ghetto? Will not this self-identity alienate us from other people groups? Why is it important to have this identity?

While I did not provide any answers to these questions, I will not dismiss them. They reflect a general public understanding of the meaning of diaspora. Implicit in the response also is a lack of understanding that Caribamericans are a diasporan people. All Caribbean people came from somewhere else to be where we are. Addressing this issue, the sociologist Stuart Hall states: