Contradictions in faith in the Caribbean context: postcolonialism, religion and the constitution

Abstract

Revealing an enduring tension between law and religion and between colonial and independence institutions of law and politics, the Caribbean functions as a site of contestations over ̶ and responses to ̶ religion, identity, and rights. Both the postcolonial condition in the Caribbean and the contestation over the political space have shaped and presented challenges for the Caribbean, many of which can be seen in, and compared to, other countries in the global South. In light of these challenges, this special issue examines the ways in which the interrelated forces of faith, colonialism and postcolonial institutions have affected Caribbean societies.