In this Article Bia Phillip breaks down some interesting facts about Guyana, and why although situated within South America, it's still considered a part of the Caribbean by many.

Many times I've been in a fête ( large party or festival) and we've played the one of my favorite  games "Somebody Missing." This is the time when the DJ calls out names of countries in the West Indies in a teasing game of shout outs, often leaving the island of Trinidad and Tobago for last. " Who's in the house tonight? I see Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana"... but wait Guyana aren't they in South America? How could they possibly be a part of the West Indies? If this thought has never crossed your mind you're going to want to keep reading.

During the 17th century Guyana along with several other islands in the Caribbean were colonized by European settlers. These actions set into course the beginning of an entirely new culture. Guyana, a country in South America, is very much considered a part of the West Indies. As a matter of fact CARICOM (the Caribbean community), has its secretariat's headquarters in Guyana's capital, Georgetown.

Most importantly Guyanese people share the culture of the West Indies, and it all boils down to one common denominator.....colonization.  In the 17th century Guyana became a part of the British West Indies and 150 years later they finally achieved  independence on 26th May 1966 from the UK. Wedged in between Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname, Guyana is culturally and historically a Caribbean country. Proving they don't need to be located in Caribbean Sea in order for it to be considered a part of the West Indies.

-BachannalBia  
Twitter: Ahyame718