‘The Americas’ Recap: ‘The Caribbean’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THE AMERICAS -- "The Caribbean" Episode 108 -- Pictured: Aerial view of the Exumas, The Bahamas, Atlantic Ocean. -- (Photo by: BBC Studios)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘The Americas’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Our perception of the Caribbean and the many beautiful islands it harbors… is one related to relaxation. After all, this is the Caribbean we are talking about here. A place filled with beautiful beaches and waters as blue as the skies above. Which is the perfect place for people to unwind and forget about their troubles, and we are of course, able to do so, because we are the masters of the planet and can now create these spaces that only harbor nature as we see fit. But that’s the thing, despite our perceptions of this wondrous place, and our belief it bends to our will, nature continues to live and thrive, and what exists around us in ‘The Caribbean’ is explored in the next episode of The Americas on NBC.

For this episode took the time to showcase what you find away from the scuba lessons and umbrella drinks. Such as the fact that beautiful waters that surround these islands are just filled to the brim with stunning life. For instance, this is a place where sperm whales thrive. For it is the perfect place to raise their young since it has all the food and calm, they need to keep going, and they’re not the only ones who use these islands as a nursery. For the lemon shark will come here to give birth to its young, and once those pups are out of the womb, they head into the many mangroves present in this part of the world to learn how to safely hunt, so they can properly survive in the world when they are old enough.

But that is but a sampling of what kind of wildlife thrives within these beautiful islands. Because on land you’ll find all kinds of creatures going about their business. For instance, there are capuchin monkeys that have figured out how to find food on both the shores and in the trees. Which is critical since many of them live on isolated islands where the food chain is not as robust as it is in other places. But they make do. Not to mention there are also beautiful hummingbirds that call these islands home, and they work hard to protect the beautiful plants that sustain them. Because offering upkeep and keeping predators away that will tear the plant that they call home to shreds, ensures that their line will prevail since those plants often help to attract a mate, in addition to offering food.

However, while we were treated to great beauty in this tale, and offered a stunning look at how much life surrounds us when we’re on vacation in this part of the world, we also sometimes forget, that this can be a dangerous place as well. After all, these islands and their location, make them a breeding ground for Hurricanes and they’re also in the path of them, so these places are often battered by the winds and debris those storms bring. Not to mention, the arrival of man has made life a little scary for some of the wildlife in this place. Since the red land crabs here not only have to endure high temps that can cook them on their trek to the seas, to give birth to their young, but the highways that we have built are a problem for them as well. Since sadly, cars tend to not break for land crabs.

All of which showcased, a world of chaos and beauty, really, and all those amazing moments made for another powerful and engaging episode from this series. One that really did once again, showcase the duality of the world we thrive in and how paradise isn’t always Mai Tais and dinner on the beach. But a fight for life, and that definitely makes one grateful for the world we’ve created and reminds us to be mindful of the one that surrounds it. All so that we can continue to enjoy its majesty when we look to it to provide us with calm. Until next time.

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