On October 12, 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus made landfall in what is now the Bahamas. He went on to further explore other Caribbean islands in successive maritime explorations. The history of the “New World” was from then put into motion. Suffice it to say Columbus 'discovered' the Caribbean and opened its doors to much development and civilization. Reflect on and share your thoughts on the idea that “Columbus discovered the Caribbean”. How accurate is it to describe the earliest inhabitants of the Caribbean as primitive and to state that the “New World” only experienced civilsation following Columbus’s arrival? Give your answer in approximately 300 words.

On October 12, 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus made landfall in what is now the Bahamas. He went on to further explore other Caribbean islands in successive maritime explorations. The history of the “New World” was from then put into motion. Suffice it to say Columbus 'discovered' the Caribbean and opened its doors to much development and civilization. Reflect on and share your thoughts on the idea that “Columbus discovered the Caribbean”. How accurate is it to describe the earliest inhabitants of the Caribbean as primitive and to state that the “New World” only experienced civilsation following Columbus’s arrival? Give your answer in approximately 300 words.