After the events of the “Discovery”, Spain dominated the entire Caribbean Sea, and consequently, the whole of South America. This domination was enshrined in the Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, between Spain and Portugal, and with the Catholic Church as mediator. Spanish domination lasted for the whole 16 th century. At the beginning of the 17 th century, Spanish hegemony in the region began to be questioned by various European monarchs. For example, the French king, François 1 st declared, “Can anyone show me the testament of Adam that excludes me from sharing [the Caribbean]?” - a direct allusion to the Treaty of Tordesillas. From then, the monarchs of the Old Continent did all they could to encourage, by any means, so-called voyages of discovery in the New World. England, France, Holland, Sweden, Denmark... set off resolutely in the race. Certain countries fared better than others. It followed that during the rest of the 17 th century, the Caribbean Sea was an open battlefield among European powers who wanted a slice of the Caribbean cake. During the 18 th century, two main forces emerged : France and England. In the 19 th century, England became the undisputed master of the seas, with total control of the Caribbean, and of an infinity number of islands and territories across the length of the Caribbean littoral.

At the end of the 19 th century, new powers such as Germany and the United States of America would look for a strategic foothold in the Caribbean Sea. Finally, the USA won out. After the Cuban-Spanish-American War (1895-1898), which signaled the end of Spanish presence in the Caribbean, the USA took advantage. In the 20 th century, the Caribbean Sea came under American control. From a strategic point of view, this sea is considered as the third frontier of the USA.

As we can gather, the Caribbean Sea has never truly belonged to the Caribbean people who inhabit the region. But we can appropriate this great common heritage over time. By the development of political sovereignty and by appropriating Caribbean space, the Caribbean will increasingly belong to Caribbean people. Let us begin appropriating Caribbean space by defending its marine environment which is continually degraded by the wrongdoings of many. This is the latest battle for the Caribbean Sea, fought by its own inhabitants.

Dr Watson Denis is Political Adviser at the Secretariat of the Association of Caribbean States. The opinions expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Comments and reactions can be sent to mail@acs-aec.org

April 25, 2006