One key debate centers on the question of Afro-Caribbean identity in a globalized world. Some critics worry that modern approaches dilute the "Caribbean-ness" of the art, fearing that influences from the global north or western trends may overwhelm the authenticity of the Afro-Caribbean experience. As artists gain international recognition, their work is often consumed by audiences unfamiliar with the nuances of Caribbean culture, raising the question of whether art produced for global markets can remain faithful to its roots.

On the other hand, supporters of a more globalized Afro-Caribbean art movement argue that engagement with global issues and art forms enhances, rather than diminishes, cultural identity. Artists such as Turgo Bastien, who uses installations and found objects to comment on peace, or Élie Lescot III, who alternates between Vodou-inspired abstract pieces and contemporary still life, prove that global perspectives can enrich Afro-Caribbean narratives. This fusion of local and global themes gives the art a wider appeal while retaining its core identity.