esites Topic 28: Define “West Indian” v “Caribbean” Countries [DECISION]

[rondlg]

DISCUSSION POINTS:

There is cross-over and confusion about when to use West Indies, Caribbean and Antilles when documenting the nations in the Caribbean sea. We need to find/decide/document a consistent use of these terms.

Question: Which is recommended term for biogeographic region name: Carribean v. West Indies?

As a first phase we will not use the continent field. These countries https://www.un.org/Depts/los/LEGISLATIONANDTREATIES/caribbean_states.htm

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Haiti
• Bahamas
• Jamaica
• Barbados
• Saint Lucia
• Cuba
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Dominica
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Dominican Republic
• Grenada

should all be in North America.

• Trinidad and Tobago

should be in South America.

bioregion

• For all: Caribbean
• For Field Guides: Tropical America

Island Group

• For all: West Indies or Antilles

Reference: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-differences-between-windward-and-leeward-islands.html

What about Caribbean → WATER BODY and/OR BIOREGION?

[rondlg]

DECISION(S):

SEE AGREED STANDARDS: “Documenting nations and islands in or bordering the Caribbean Sea”

We will use the following hierarchy for islands and countries in the West Indies. Biogeography/Region = Caribbean

Hierarchy: WEST INDIES (See agreed standards for full hierarchy) West Indies

• Antilles -- Lesser Antilles --- Leeward --- Windward -- Greater Antilles

[rondlg]

DATA CHANGES: Data Changes Doc

Pre new development: # 49; 52; 53 Post development: