Caribbean Area Research Articles

Formación para la discapacidad en programas de Educación Física-Colombia

Objective. To identify the programs of the Physical Education, Recreation and Sports field in different Colombian Universities that reflect in their curriculum subjects that develop the subject of disability or the attention to the disability. Methodology. The study presented a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative approach, carried out between August 2015 and December 2016, with 63 universities registered in the official platform of the National Ministry of Education of Colombia (SNIES), offering undergraduate degrees or professional programs in Physical Education, Recreation and Sports. Results. It was evidenced that the programs are offered in greater proportion in the Andean and Pacifica zone, in the same way it is appreciated that there are very few programs offered in the field of recreation with respect to the other fields. The estimation of subjects offered for disabled people is relatively small and with low coverage in the areas of Orinoquia, Amazonia and the Caribbean. Conclusions. We found weaknesses in the offering of subjects or courses, within the curriculum, in the topics related to the care for people with disabilities, especially in the Caribbean, Amazonian and Orinoquia areas.

Primer Encuentro de Turismo Comunitario y Desarrollo Sostenible del Caribe, Portobelo (Panamá)

Report on the FIRST MEETING OF COMMUNITY TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE CARIBBEAN, Portobelo, Panama, 12-14 October 2017. For some time now, community-based tourism has become a development opportunity for many indigenous and peasant groups, especially in Latin America. To discuss this topic, the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO - Seville), the Centro de Estudios y Accion Social de Panama (CEASPA) and the Universidad Especializada de Las Americas (UDELAS - Panama), organized a seminar that brought together researchers, politicians, businessmen and representatives of various communities and institutions in the Caribbean area. The objective was to better define community-oriented tourism, to think about mediation with the tourism market, the development factors of this tourism model, its needs and challenges.

Diving-wave FWI methodology applied to a Colombian Caribbean data set

Building accurate velocity models is of major interest for oil and gas companies because it improves the prospect evaluation and reduces the risk of geohazards. Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has become a popular method for finding high-resolution and accurate velocity and has been successfully applied to several offshore case studies. We develop a methodology that allows us to apply diving-wave FWI to a case study from the Colombian Caribbean area. The proposed diving-wave FWI methodology includes the wavelet estimation, velocity updates, and quality control (QC) processes. The QC is performed using the cost function, the crosscorrelation of the observed and synthetic gathers, and the analytical trace information. The first QC tool indicates the difference between observed and synthetic gathers; the other two verify that the observed and synthetic data are not cycle skipped. The velocity model obtained with the proposed methodology is the first successful case study performed in the Colombian Caribbean region. From the obtained model, we conclude that FWI is able to build a velocity model with better-resolved shallow depth areas that assist the subsequent pore pressure prediction and imaging processes.

S-wave velocities of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system in the Lesser Antilles from the joint inversion of surface wave dispersion and receiver function analysis

We present an overview of S-wave velocities (Vs) within the crust and upper mantle of the Lesser Antilles as determined with 19 seismic broadband stations. Receiver functions (RF) have been computed from teleseismic recordings of earthquakes, and Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion relations have been taken from earlier surface wave tomographic studies in the Caribbean area. Local smoothness optimization (LSO) procedure has been applied, combined with an H-K stacking method, the spatial distribution of hypocenters of local earthquakes and of the energy they released, in order to identify an optimum 1D model of Vs below each station. Several features of the Caribbean plate and its interaction with the Atlantic subducting slab are visible in the resulting models: (a) relatively thick oceanic crust below these stations ranges from ~21 km to ~33 km, being slight thinner in the middle of the island arc; (b) crustal low velocity zones are present below stations SABA, SEUS, SKI, SMRT, CBE, DSD, GCMP and TDBA; (c) lithospheric thickness range from ~40 km to ~105 km but lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary was not straightforward to correlate between stations; (d) the aseismic mantle wedge between the Caribbean seismic lithosphere and the subducted slab varies in thickness as well as Vs values which are, in general, lower below the West of Martinique than below the West of Guadeloupe; (e) the depth of the subducted slab beneath the volcanic arc, appears to be greater to the North, and relatively shallower below some stations (e.g. DLPL, SAM, BIM and FDF) than was estimated in previous studies based on the depth-distribution of seismicity; f) the WBZ is >10–15 km deeper than the top of the slab below the Central Lesser Antilles (Martinique and Dominica) where the presence of partial melt in the mantle wedge seems also to be more evident.

Existing Territories and Formalization of Territorial Use Rights for Moored Fish Aggregating Devices: The Case of Small-Scale Fisheries in the La Désirade Island (France)

ABSTRACTMoored fish aggregating devices (MFADs) are used by small-scale fishers to access fish species difficult to harvest in large numbers. In the case of Guadeloupe (Caribbean area), the use of MFADs has increased considerably and this is causing congestion in these fishing areas and creating conflict between fishers. The aim of this article is to understand how informal fishing territories around the La Desirade Island were established and examine these territories through the lens of economic defendability theory. Results of semistructured interviews show that MFAD fishers display territoriality along MFAD tract lines forming quasi-privatized areas. Territoriality in this article is based on the following factors: the type of targeted resources, the cost of harvesting, the defending of territories, and the acknowledgment of territories by the fishing community. Conflicts and utilization of MFADs (overcapacity) have raised an opportunity to create co-managed legalized territorial use rights for fisheries.

Heritage in tourism organisations’ branding strategy: the case of a post-colonial, post-conflict and post-disaster destination

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the link between history (heritage) and tourism marketing (destination branding). More specifically, the paper focusses on how heritage is used by private- and public-sector tourism organisations of post-colonial, post-conflict and post-disaster (PCCD) destinations in their branding strategy. In particular, the paper investigates how these organisations use heritage in their branding and logo design.Design/methodology/approachWithin the paradigm of theory building and exploratory approach, this conceptual study is based on a narrative literature review and analysis of research and secondary data on Haiti. The study uses visual research methods to examine and reveal the basis and composition of logos of both private- and public-sector organisations in Haiti.FindingsThe findings of this paper suggest that capturing the essence of the destination is critical for any visual identification (i.e. logos), and that the visual identification can either adjust representation of past events to the time being (heritage) or move away from the past with clear expectations for the future. Such findings are reflected within the new marketing strategies adopted by the Haitian destination marketing organisation (DMO) and a private resort that we used as examples. Both moved from an idiosyncratic identity-based logo to a universal “sea-and-sun” stereotyped one that goes against heritage for which authenticity is the most important criterion.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research may help destination managers in general, and DMOs in PCCD destinations in particular, to design logos aligned with their marketing and branding strategies. The findings of the paper may also assist industry experts in designing logos that communicate with potential tourists, by leveraging heritage to influence their emotion and decision making.Originality/valueThis paper represents one of the first papers in tourism research that examines branding strategies of both public and private sectors in the context of Haiti. The research contributes to the body of knowledge on heritage and destination marketing by exploring the role of heritage in the Caribbean area’s branding and marketing strategies.

Ascidians collected during the Madibenthos expedition in Martinique: 1-Phlebobranchia.

The aim of the Madibenthos 2016 expedition was to establish an inventory of the benthic marine fauna around Martinique. All kinds of biota were collected with different devices down to 40m depth. Among a large amount of invertebrates the ascidians were varied and abundant. Their study will be made in several steps. The first group studied concerns the Order Phlebobranchia represented here by species already described from the Caribbean area; one of them was collected for only the second time. The variability of internal characters which are ordinarily considered as generic or specific is discussed here for the genera Ascidia and Phallusia.

Depth distribution of benthic dinoflagellates in the Caribbean Sea

Monitoring of benthic dinoflagellates is usually conducted between sub-surface and 5 m depth, where these organisms are supposed to be in highest abundances. However, only few studies have focused on the small-scale depth distribution of benthic dinoflagellates. In the present study, abundances of dinoflagellates were evaluated on an invasive macrophyte Halophila stipulacea in two coastal sites in Guadeloupe (Caribbean Sea) along a depth gradient from sub-surface to 3 m at Gosier and until 20 m at Rivière Sens during the tropical wet and dry seasons. Species of genus Ostreopsis and Prorocentrum were the most abundant. Depth did not influence total dinoflagellate abundance but several genera showed particular depth-distribution preferences. The highest abundances of Ostreopsis and Gambierdiscus species were estimated preferentially in surface waters, whereas Coolia spp. were found in the same proportions but in deeper waters. Halophila stipulacea biomass was positively correlated with Ostreopsis spp. abundance. Our study suggests that sampling of benthic dinoflagellates should be conducted at different water depths taking into account the presence of the macroalgal substrate as well. In the Caribbean area, special attention should be addressed to the presence of H. stipulacea which tends to homogenize the marine landscape and represents a substrate for hosting dinoflagellate growth.

New Fortuyniidae and Selenoribatidae (Acari, Oribatida) from Bonaire (Lesser Antilles) and morphometric comparison between Eastern Pacific and Caribbean populations of Fortuyniidae

Two new intertidal oribatid mite species were found on the coast of Bonaire. Litoribates bonairensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its only congener, L. caelestis, by the cerotegumental pattern and shape of sensillus. This is also the first record of the genus from the Caribbean region. Thasecazetes falcidactylus gen. nov., sp. nov. is characterized by conspicuous longitudinal notogastral ridges and sickle shaped claws and represents a new selenoribatid genus that probably shows a wider distribution within the Caribbean. Both species were found in mangrove habitats. An ecological preference for this environment may be considered. A morphometric investigation of Litoribates and Alismobates populations from the Galápagos Archipelago in the Eastern Pacific, several Caribbean areas and the Western Atlantic Bermuda Islands revealed certain remarkable facts: First, Litoribates species show a conspicuous higher size variation between the different locations than Alismobates species; second, the geographic distance between the populations is reflected in the extent of divergence and third, similar variation patterns shown in Litoribates and Alismobates indicate that both taxa have experienced similar evolutionary histories in the respective geographic regions. An additional molecular genetic analysis provides barcoding sequences for the new taxa and confirms their taxonomic distinctness.

An Evaluation of the CHIMERE Chemistry Transport Model to Simulate Dust Outbreaks across the Northern Hemisphere in March 2014

Mineral dust is one of the most important aerosols over the world, affecting health and climate. These mineral particles are mainly emitted over arid areas but may be long-range transported, impacting the local budget of air quality in urban areas. While models were extensively used to study a single specific event, or make a global analysis at coarse resolution, the goal of our study is to simultaneously focus on several affected areas—Europe, North America, Central Asia, east China and the Caribbean area—for a one-month period, March 2014, avoiding any parameter fitting to better simulate a single dust outbreak. The simulation is performed for the first time with the hemispheric version of the CHIMERE model, with a high horizontal resolution (about 10 km). In this study, an overview of several simultaneous dust outbreaks over the Northern Hemisphere is proposed to assess the capability of such modeling tools to predict dust pollution events. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the most striking episodes is presented with comparisons to satellite data, ground based particulate matter and calcium measurements. Despite some overestimation of dust concentrations far from emission source areas, the model can simulate the timing of the arrival of dust outbreaks on observational sites. For instance, several spectacular dust storms in the US and China are rather well captured by the models. The high resolution provides a better description and understanding of the orographic effects and the long-range transport of dust plumes.

Schusteria marina sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Selenoribatidae) an intertidal mite from Caribbean coasts, with remarks on taxonomy, biogeography, and ecology

ABSTRACTSchusteria marina sp. nov. is a newly discovered intertidal mite species found on the Lesser Antillean Islands of Martinique and Grenada. It represents the first record of the genus Schusteria within the Caribbean area. Schusteria marina sp. nov. is very similar to the type species, S. littorea from Brazil, but can be distinguished by its smaller body size, a median sternal dark sclerotized small ridge on epimeron I and a few other less pronounced differences. Both species are closely related and form a Western Atlantic Schusteria clade, which is characterized by the possession of a pair of faint anterior epimeral ridges. Schusteria marina sp. nov. occurs on different littoral substrates, e.g. mangrove roots, anthropogenic concrete structures, but seems to be associated with an intertidal red alga belonging to the genus Bostrychia Montagne, 1842 growing on these substrates.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C246533E-D108-4F2C-8577-545C059D46CE

Technical Evaluation of an Improved Paint Coating with NIR Pigments Designed To Reduce Thermal Discomfort Caused By Incident Solar Radiation: Application in the Caribbean Area

The main benefits of efficient façades and roofs are reductions in the energy consumption required for cooling during the summer and greater comfort for users. Traditional insulation is based on resistance (R) to conductive heat transfer between solid objects. However, about 93% of the gain or loss of heat from buildings is due to radiation of infrared energy; the remaining 7% is due to a combination of conduction andconvection.Therefore, we proposed the use of an anti-radiant façade and roof for the Caribbean area, based on improved paint coating systems for concrete block masonry (such as the traditional façade systemin the Dominican Republic) and for expanded polystyrenepanels (a novel façade system on the market in the Dominican Republic). The paint coating was improved by developing andapplying NIR pigments whose high reflectance parameters protect the building envelope and enhance comfort inthe home.

Glyphosate-Resistant Parthenium hysterophorus in the Caribbean Islands: Non Target Site Resistance and Target Site Resistance in Relation to Resistance Levels.

Glyphosate has been the most intensely herbicide used worldwide for decades, and continues to be a single tool for controlling weeds in woody crops. However, the adoption of this herbicide in a wide range of culture systems has led to the emergence of resistant weeds. Glyphosate has been widely used primarily on citrus in the Caribbean area, but a study of resistance in the Caribbean islands of Cuba and the Dominican Republic has never been carried out. Unfortunately, Parthenium hysterophorus has developed glyphosate-resistance in both islands, independently. The resistance level and mechanisms of different P. hysterophorus accessions (three collected in Cuba (Cu-R) and four collected in the Dominican Republic (Do-R) have been studied under greenhouse and laboratory conditions. In in vivo assays (glyphosate dose causing 50% reduction in above-ground vegetative biomass and survival), the resistance factor levels showed susceptible accessions (Cu-S ≥ Do-S), low-resistance accessions (Cu-R3 < Do-R4), medium-resistance accessions (Do-R3 < Cu-R2 < Do-R2) and high-resistance accessions (Do-R1 < Cu-R1). In addition, the resistance factor levels were similar to those found in the shikimic acid accumulation at 1000 μM of glyphosate (Cu-R1 ≥ Do-R1 > Do-R2 > Cu-R2 > Do-R3 > Do-R4 > Cu-R3 >> Cu-S ≥ Do-S). Glyphosate was degraded to aminomethylphosphonic acid, glyoxylate and sarcosine by >88% in resistant accessions except in Cu-R3 and Do-R4 resistant accessions (51.12 and 44.21, respectively), whereas a little glyphosate (<9.32%) was degraded in both susceptible accessions at 96 h after treatment. There were significant differences between P. hysterophorus accessions in the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) activity enzyme with and without different glyphosate rates. The R accessions showed values of between 0.026 and 0.21 μmol μg−1 TSP protein min−1 basal EPSPS activity values with respect to the S (0.024 and 0.025) accessions. The same trend was found in the EPSPS enzyme activity treated with glyphosate, where a higher enzyme activity inhibition (glyphosate μM) corresponded to greater resistance levels in P. hysterophorus accessions. One amino acid substitution was found at position 106 in EPSPS, consisting of a proline to serine change in Cu-R1, Do-R1 Do-R2. The above-mentioned results indicate that high resistance values are determined by the number of defense mechanisms (target-site and non-target-site resistance) possessed by the different P. hysterophorus accessions, concurrently.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Puerto Rico: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer notorious for being quite challenging to manage clinically and having a high death rate among adults. In Puerto Rico (PR), the University Hospital (UH) is the major referral center for adults diagnosed with AML. However, a comprehensive study of this population is lacking, representing a knowledge gap. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical aspects, presentations and outcomes of the AML patients treated at this single institution, thus, filling a clinical and scientific need. Methods: This study evaluated patients ≥18 years of age, diagnosed with AML between January 2004 and December 2013 and treated at the UH within the Medical Center in San Juan, PR. Data regarding socio-demographics, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, treatment and survival were obtained from medical records. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. Results: Of a total of 319 AML cases where the majority of the necessary data was obtained, the patients were mostly females (54.5%), between 41-64 y/o (43.9%), and living in the greater metropolitan area of San Juan or adjacent municipalities. Flow cytometry results mostly expressed the myeloid markers: CD13 (82%), CD117 (74%) and CD33 (68%), followed by the lineage independent antigens HLA-DR (59%) and CD34 (57%). Monoblastic expression were mostly CD64 (34%) and CD11c (31%), and the most frequent lymphoid markers were CD7 (14%) and CD4 (11%). Cytogenetic abnormalities were present in 68% of the patients, which were then sub-classified as simple (only 1) in 54%, double in 19% or complex (≥3) in 27%, and mostly involved chromosomes 17 (27%), 15 (26%), 8 (12%), 21 (10%) and 6 (6%). Of note, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was diagnosed in 17% of the patients having available cytogenetics data. Regarding treatment, the predominant induction regimen was the standard 7+3, with idarubicin as the most frequent anthracycline used; 25% of patients that received treatment required a re-induction, consisting mostly of a 5+2 regimen with the same drugs used initially. Subsequently, 48% of the initially treated patients received their first consolidation therapy. Although limited by unknown values, evidence of leukemia relapse was noted in at least 12% of all treated patients, occurring on average within 51.6 weeks, where 50% of the data resulted within 41.9 weeks. Excluding the APLs, leukemia relapse was noted in 25% of the patients. By the end of the study in 2016, 75.7% of the patients had died, and were more likely to be ≥65 of age than 41-64 or 18-40 (85% vs. 71% vs. 69%, respectively; p=0.02); or having complex cytogenetics than simple/double or normal (85% vs. 67%, vs. 77%, respectively; p=0.048). Among those that died, the average life span was about 40 weeks since diagnosis. On the other hand, those remaining alive at the end of the study have an average life span of 70.7 weeks from diagnosis till their last known visit. Conclusion: This first analysis presentation of our 10-year retrospective study provides valuable clinical information about the AMLs being treated at the UH. The most significant clinical factors impacting survival were: age at diagnosis and amount of cytogenetic abnormalities. A necessary sub-analysis regarding the impact of the cytogenetic abnormality type will follow, as the data was not readily available at this time. Since the UH is the major referral center on the island, we can safely say it represents the AMLs of Puerto Rico, an underrepresented Latino population from the Caribbean area. In spite of limitations in data collection, especially from earlier years (2004-2007), the numbers are still robust enough (in light of being an infrequent cancer type) to consider this study as the first comprehensive assessment of the AMLs in PR. Our findings provide insight into the clinical presentation and outcomes of AMLs in PR, and may serve as a platform for future comparison studies regarding race/ethnicity and disparities. Further identification of clinical factors and genetic/epigenetic abnormalities is important in order to individualize therapy and hopefully improve outcomes in our AML population. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The cladorhizid fauna (Porifera, Poecilosclerida) of the Caribbean and adjacent waters.

The carnivorous sponge family Cladorhizidae has been subject to several recent studies, yet the cladorhizid fauna of the Caribbean and adjacent areas remain comparatively poorly known. In this article we provide a description of the novel species Abyssocladia polycephalus sp. nov. from the Muir Seamount NE of Bermuda, belonging to the mainly Pacific genus Abyssocladia, and Asbestopluma (Asbestopluma) caribica sp. nov. from the Beata Ridge. Additionally, we provide a re-description of the poorly known species Chondrocladia (Chondrocladia) verticillata Topsent, 1920, and compare this species with the closely related species C. (C.) concrescens Schmidt, 1880. Finally, we provide a brief overview of the carnivorous sponges known from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean.

Ecological assessments of the coral reef communities in the Eastern Caribbean and the effects of herbivory in influencing coral juvenile density and algal cover

AbstractCaribbean reefs have been unevenly surveyed, with many areas lacking baseline data. In this study, the current status of Orbicella reefs, a structurally complex forereef habitat, was quantified in an understudied region, the Eastern Caribbean. During 2011 the same observers surveyed benthic assemblages, coral juvenile density, herbivorous fishes, and invertebrates at 30 Orbicella reefs in four Eastern Caribbean areas: Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines (hereafter St Vincent). Not all Orbicella forereefs were functionally the same in the Eastern Caribbean. Benthic communities and herbivorous fishes varied greatly among islands. Hard coral had the highest overall percent cover on most reefs in this study, with an average cover of 22%, and was greater than fleshy macroalgal cover at 83% of the sites. Overall, coral juvenile density was low but was positively associated with higher densities of Diadema antillarum, highlighting the importance of herbivory on the reefs. Nearshore coral reefs in Barbados were in a better state than other areas, exhibiting higher coral cover dominated by spawning corals, higher densities of coral juveniles exhibiting higher coral cover dominated by spawning corals, higher densities of coral juveniles and D. antillarum. Low biomass of herbivorous fishes at a majority of the coral reef sites is of major concern for the functioning of these reefs. Conservation of parrotfishes and other herbivores is necessary given the abundance of algae on most of these reefs and the beneficial effect of their presence on coral juveniles. This is the first comprehensive study that compares the state of Orbicella reefs in the Eastern Caribbean, providing valuable information that will be useful in creating realistic targets for future management and conservation.

Historical sediment record and levels of PCBs in sediments and mangroves of Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were quantified in 18 surface sediment samples, 1 sediment core, and several mangrove tissue samples collected in Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico in September 2013. Total PCBs in surface sediments ranged from 0.42 to 1232ngg−1 dw. Generally, higher levels were observed near-shore close to urban and industrial areas. The levels suggest significant pollution in Jobos Bay with respect to PCBs. Two-thirds of the sites were dominated by lighter PCB congeners (tri- to penta-chlorinated PCBs) while one-third had heavy PCB congeners (hexa- to octa-chlorinated PCBs) dominant. Total PCBs in a sediment core indicated levels fluctuating according to historical usage patterns. Total PCBs were measured in mangal leaves (14–747ngg−1 dw), roots (0.26–120ngg−1 dw), and seeds (16–93ngg−1 dw), suggesting bioaccumulation from sediments. This is the first report of a historical profile of PCBs in the study area and of PCB bioaccumulation in mangroves. This article provides new and useful information on PCBs in the Caribbean area of the GRULAC region.

Grey Zone in Caribbean Islands: Socio-Racial Struggles around the Martinican Carnival

Few researchers have attempted to show that colonialism was associated with an on-going task of division between slaves. This article intends to highlight the functioning logic of the colonial plantation world. In the Caribbean area, whether that of English, Dutch, Spanish or French colonialisms, the morphological existence of a minority of Whites and an&lt;br /&gt;overwhelming majority of Blacks in a permanent state of rebellion, as Patterson’s (1982) work demonstrated, was the basis for the creation of intermediate groups as “buffers”. These auxiliary people (domestics, hunters of fugitives, executioners, free people in militias; but also, by mimicry, the Black owners of slaves) are only part of a larger system requiring a strong dependency between the free people of color, that is of mixed heritage - Mulâtres in French colonies, Mulattos in English colonies1- and White masters. This model of the tripartition between the rich White class, the free middle class of mixed heritage, and the proletarian Black people, can define itself as a society in which the “colortocracy” (Anderson, 2000) became a “grey zone” in the sense of Primo Lévi's (1989) analysis of Nazi concentration camps. Neither subaltern studies nor the social science of creolization really bind this social stratification to long-lasting effects of domination between Blacks themselves. Nowadays, the political power is detained by this brown upper class. Thereby, this type of socio-racial structure has been maintained long after the official demise of&lt;br /&gt;colonialism and it continues to affect the political and economic organization of Caribbean islands. In this rigid framework, in which individuals and people are increasingly dominated (structural joblessness, migration to the metropole, racism and whitening, lack of economic&lt;br /&gt;independence etc.), the Black proletarians have developed a counter-culture among which the best known forms are carnival and a daily Maroon behavior, namely many protean resistances against the White world and colortocracy. This paper discusses the situation of the Martinican carnaval taking place on the French island of Martinique.

The im/possibilities of Caribbean area studies

In this essay, I aim to make two closely connected, intersecting and in some cases parallel scholarly and political contributions to wider discussions about area studies through a focused engagement with Caribbean Area Studies. First, I position myself within Caribbean (area) studies as a feminist anti-racist researcher and scholar. I explore the im/possibilities of my role within the “area” of the Caribbean through a feminist analysis. Second, I aim to ensure that the scholarship from academics within and of the Caribbean is placed central. I provide insights from Caribbean theorists who discuss the ways in which the region is both bounded and exploded but nevertheless a recognisable entity of Caribbean area studies.

Varicus lacerta, a new species of goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Gobiosomatini, Nes subgroup) from a mesophotic reef in the southern Caribbean.

We describe a new species of goby, Varicus lacerta sp. n., which was collected from a mesophotic reef at Curacao, southern Caribbean. The new species is the tenth species of Varicus, all of which occur below traditional SCUBA depths in the wider Caribbean area. Its placement in the genus Varicus is supported by a molecular phylogenetic analysis of three nuclear genes and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b. In addition, the new species has one anal-fin pterygiophore inserted anterior to the first haemal spine, which distinguishes Varicus species from most species in the closely related and morphologically similar genus Psilotris. Varicus lacerta sp. n. is distinguished from all other named species of Varicus by the absence of scales, having highly branched, feather-like pelvic-fin rays, and in its live coloration. We provide the cytochrome c oxidase I DNA barcode of the holotype and compare color patterns of all species of Varicus and Psilotris for which color photographs or illustrations are available. This study is one of several recent studies demonstrating the utility of manned submersibles in exploring the diversity of poorly studied but species-rich deep-reef habitats.