Why do some geographers consider Guyana part of the Caribbean region?

Some geographers classify Guyana as part of the Caribbean region due to its strong historical, cultural, and political ties to the area, despite its location on the South American mainland.1

This classification often groups Guyana with the West Indies, Belize, Suriname, and French Guiana based on shared colonial legacies and regional integration. Notably, Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America, a linguistic trait it shares with many Caribbean nations.1

Furthermore, Guyana is a full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), an organization dedicated to economic integration and cooperation among Caribbean states and dependencies. The permanent secretariat of CARICOM is even headquartered in Guyana’s capital, Georgetown. These institutional and historical connections lead many experts to view the country as an integral part of the broader Caribbean sphere.231