We have developed two-dimensional spherical shell finite element models of elastic displacements in the North America-Caribbean (NA-Ca) plate boundary zone (PBZ) in order to quantify crust and fault motions in the PBZ. The models we derive are dependent on both the internal fault constraints and the Na-Ca Euler pole we used. Since the location and magnitude of the NA-Ca euler pole are still matters of much debate, we consider three Euler poles <DeMets et al., 1990; Calais and Mercier de L¿pinay, 1993; and Deng and Sykes, 1995>. We compare the resulting finite element model displacements to recent seismicity and to geological and geophysical field observations. The model of DeMets et al. <1990>, NUVEL-1, features an NA-Ca relative velocity across the PBZ which is less than the observed Cayman spreading axis rate, and thus, the finite element model based on it produces fault motions which are inconsistent with observation. The Calais and Mercier de L¿pinay M), and Deng and Sykes <1995> (D&S) models both yield far-field rates across the PBZ at the point of the Cayman spreading center of approximately 20 mm/yr, a value greater than the observed rate. The greatest differences in the latter two models lie in the motion calculated for the area around Puerto Rico. Both models feature a counterclockwise rotation of the PBZ around Puerto Rico with opening of the Anegada Passage and compression at the Muertos Trough south of eastern Hispaniola. The C&M-based model produces normal opening of the Anegada Passage fault system, while the D&S-based model produces left-lateral transtension across the Anegada Passage fault system, the result of continuum crustal motions which are nearly orthogonal between the two models in the area NE of Puerto Rico. We conclude that the C&M-based model better matches geological observations of PBZ fault motions and deformation primarily on the basis of the Anegada Passage results. Because of this rotation of the PBZ from Hispaniola to the Anegada Passage fault system, the Puerto Rico Trench includes highly oblique compression in its eastern portion, changing to pure left-lateral strike-slip NW of Puerto Rico. The C&M-based finite element model agrees with preliminary GPS results from Hispaniola and Puerto Rico if the central Septentrional fault is constrained to strike-slip motion. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1996