Csec Social Studies Notes.docx

CSEC SOCIAL STUDIES SECTION A Government The Conference of Heads of Government consists of the heads of government or Prime Ministers of each member state of the Caribbean Community, with the exception of Guyana and Suriname who has Executive Presidents representing their interests. Montserrat uses their chief Minister to represent their interests at the Conference of Heads of Government. The heads of Government are expected to meet at least once a year and carry out the following functions:

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Decide on policies and general direction of Caricom

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Act as the final authority for the conclusion of treaties on behalf of Caricom and for entering into relationships between Caricom and International bodies.

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resolve conflict and disputes among member states

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make the financial arrangements to meet the expenses of the community. Constitution - It is a written document which contains the most important laws and principles by which the citizens of a country agree to be governed. This is the most important legislation of any country in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The constitution serves to protect the fundamental human rights; in fact, the Judiciary protects the constitutional rights of citizens. The Constitution of the Commonwealth Caribbean countries contains a Bill of Rights which is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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This system was implemented in the 1600's and did not cater to the slaves, free negroes nor the coloured people. This was made obvious because none of those mentioned (slaves, free negroes or coloureds) had the right to participate in the election process. That right was reserved only for the white population, Let us look at the structure of the Old Representative System:

Think of yourself living under the Old Representative system of government! Having no representative, no right to vote, not being catered to socially or educationally. Imagine having your leaders ruling in their own interest. I bet you would be most miserable. That was the condition under which our fore parents lived.

Crown Colony Government (18th century) Having endured the Old Representative system for over 150 years, the 1800's saw a change in the system. All the Colonies adopted the Crown Colony system of government. All the Colonies, except Barbados, gave up their elected assemblies. That system of government consisted of the Governor, an Executive and Legislative Council made up of officials who headed government departments in the colonies and the members were nominated by the Governor. Those nominated members of the council never had the executive, legislative or judicial powers. They only serve as advisors. Those powers (to make laws and administering them) rested in the hands of the Governor.

Structure of the Crown Colony Government

Independence/Constitutional Monarch During the 20th century, prevailing circumstances gave rise to a political reform in the Caribbean. Those circumstances included: 

Universal adult suffrage

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Economic depression of the 1930's

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Unemployment

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Among others

The British government was then willing to grant the colonies political independence. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were the first of the colonies to gain independence from Britain in the year 1962. The other colonies followed suit later years. The granting of political independence therefore meant that the Government became responsible for the internal and external affairs of the country. The Crown - appointed Governor was replaced by a locally appointed Governor General as Head of State. He is a symbolic representative of the monarch/Crown and therefore has limited powers. Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica etc are examples of constitutional monarchies since the monarch is still the head of state

Republicanism (Sovereign state)

In the Republicanism system of government, the Monarch has been replaced as Head of state by a President. These countries are called Republics. Countries in the Commonwealth Caribbean that are Republics include: Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. These countries were once colonies of Britain. The Commonwealth of Dominica also embraces a Republican status. There are two types of republics in the Caribbean:

Break down of the two types of republics in the Caribbean The diagram gives an over view of the two types of republic in the Caribbean. One type is based on the presidential system while the other is on the parliamentary system. The Republic of Guyana uses the Presidential system where the head of state is also the head of government. This therefore means that Guyana has an executive president who has full constitutional powers. Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth of Dominica government are based on the Parliamentary system. Here, the president, who is Head of State, plays a ceremonial role which therefore means that he has limited constitutional powers and is so referred to as a titular president. The prime

minister therefore has the executive powers and is the head of the government.

Comparison between the Parliamentary system and the Presidential system Below is an incomplete table making comparison between the two systems, complete the table by filling in appropriate comparisons.

Republicanism

Parliamentary System Have a titular president

Presidential system Has an executive president

"I know you did a good job at filling in the blank spaces."

Forms of Government

Structure of Government The Structure and composition of Parliament: The structure of government in the Commonwealth Caribbean is built on the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy- tracing back to the 13th century. This model allows for a Bi-cameral (two chambers) legislative body. In the Caricom countries, the two chambers are: (1) Upper house (Senate) (2) Lower House (House of Representatives) In Britain, the upper house is called the House of Lords and the lower house is called the House of Commons. Trinidad, St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Grenada are just a few of the Commonwealth Caribbean countries that have a bi-cameral parliament.

If the Legislature has only one body, it is then described as a Unicameral Legislature. Dominica, Guyana, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines all have unicameral parliaments (Parliament literally means place of speaking)

Structure of Bicameral Parliament

Composition of Parliament (Bicameralism) As mentioned earlier, the Legislative body comprises the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house). Entry into this body can either be through nomination or election. Let us break it down!

Entry into the House of Representatives This house comprises the elected members of the governing party and the opposition party or parties. This therefore is an indication that entrance into this house is through the public polls- general elections. People in each constituencies vote for the candidate who they believe will best represent their interest and the candidate who gains majority of the votes wins the election in that constituency and entry into the lower house (first past the post). It is important to note that the majority of the members in the House of Representatives are apart of the governing party (ruling party).

Entry into the Senate All the members of the Senate are nominated. The following persons are given the task of nominating the members of the Senate: 

The Prime Minister - he or she nominates sitting members in the House of Representatives. Senators nominated by the prime minister are called Government Senators

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The Head of State - He or she nominates Senators to represent interests such as religion, education or business. Senators nominated by the head of state are called Independent Senators because they do not represent any political interest or party.

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Leader (s) of the Opposition party - he or she nominates sitting members in the House of Representatives. Senators nominated by the leader(s) of Opposition Party (ies) are called Opposition Senators.

Benefits of having a second chamber (The Senate) 

The Senate provides a wider scope for checks and balances on the House of Representative

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Considers all bills passed in the House of Representative before they can become law (A second examination of legislative proposals)

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A wider scope of representation of interest in the society

Draw backs to having a second chamber (The Senate) 

A second examination of legislative proposals will lengthen the overall legislative process

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The presence of non-elected members may be viewed as a challenge to the representative government

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The presence of a government majority favours decisions of the government.

The stages involved in the law making process The Legislative branch is responsible for making the laws of the country. The processes involve will be outlined below. Can you imagine the intricacies involve in this process?

Structure and function of the Executive Arm of Government The Executive arm of government is often referred to as the business house of the country. This is where the Prime Minister and his ministers of government congregate to direct the affairs of the country. The executive arm of government is popularly known as the Cabinet. This type of government setting is evident in all the Commonwealth countries except Guyana. In Guyana, the Executive President heads the Cabinet. The chart below highlights some of the basic functions of the Cabinet

The Cabinet System As mentioned earlier, the Cabinet is viewed as the business house of the country; hence, this arm is responsible for directing the affairs of the country through initiating and implementing policies that will see to its development. The Cabinet is the principal instrument of policy, insofar as it exercises general direction and control over policy. To this end, Cabinet is collectively responsible to Parliament for the general direction and control of policy. In the same way, individual Ministers are individually responsible to Parliament for the general direction and control of policy in their respective ministries. These principles of Cabinet government are known as the Principle of Collective Responsibility. Once a policy has been approved by Cabinet, it becomes the policy of the entire Cabinet and every member is expected to defend it in public. This therefore means that even if a Cabinet member disagrees with the policy, he or she is not at liberty to criticize it in public after it has been approved by the Cabinet.

Rules that govern the Principle of Collective Responsibility: I. The Confidence Rule- this implies that the ability of the Cabinet to exert direction and control a function of the enjoyment of the confidence of a majority of elected members in the Legislature II. The Confidentiality Rule: This implies that all Cabinet documents and discussions must remain confidential so as to preserve official secrecy in the making of Cabinet decisions III. The Unanimity rule: This implies that the Cabinet can only speak with one voice so that government policy will always be unambiguous

Individual Ministerial Responsibility The Prime Minister is the chief executive officer; therefore, he is entrusted with the responsibility of assigning responsibilities to his ministers. This area of responsibility given by the Prime Minister is called the Minister's portfolio. Each minister is expected to carry out the duties of his or her office that is called a Ministry or government department. For example, in the Ministry of Agriculture, the minister who occupies this portfolio is expected to implement policies relating to his/her office and be willing and ready to defend such a ministry in public and in Parliament. The responsibility of respective ministries can be over bearing, as such, the ministers may be assisted by ministers without portfolio or junior ministers. In Guyana, it is the President who gives the ministers areas of responsibility. Rules that govern individual ministerial responsibility I. The advice rule: This implies that Ministers are entitled to departmental advice, but their decisions are their responsibility II. The Culpability rule: This implies that ministers are responsible for errors of policy in their ministries. Ministers cannot blame their public servants for any errors of policy, owing to the fact that such decisions are exclusively limited to Ministers. A minister is accountable to Parliament. III. The Propriety rule: This implies that ministers must conduct themselves with propriety and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

In all independent Commonwealth Caribbean countries, the head of state is either of the following: 

An Executive President

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Governor General

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Titular President

In countries where the head of state is a Governor General (as in Jamaica) or a titular president (as in Trinidad and Tobago), his or her role/function is ceremonial in nature. This therefore means that such a person has limited executive powers. The Governor General or the Titular President acts upon the advice of the Prime Minister.

In an attempt to better serve the citizens of the country, the government recruits qualified individuals that are called Civil Servants to carry out their policies, programmes and goals. These individuals (Civil Servants) are non elected government officials who are obliged to carry out government's policies regardless of their personal feelings towards the government of the day. This job demands utmost impartiality in the execution of one's task.

Functions of police 

To prevent and control conduct widely recognized as threatening to life and property

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To aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm, such as the victims of violent attack To facilitate the movement of people and vehicles To assist those who cannot care for themselves, the intoxicated, the addicted, the mentally ill, the physically disables, the old, and the young To resolve conflict, whether it be between individuals, groups or individuals, or individuals and their government To identify problems that have the potential for becoming more serious problems To create and maintain a feeling of security in communities

Prisons have three basic functions. Firstly, to secure and control offenders, secondly, to punish offenders and thirdly to rehabilitate or reform offenders.

Role of civil service advise ministers on policies pertinent to their departments. There have been criticisms that these senior civil servants are in a position to be too influential especially as they are non-elected persons. However, they argue, with some legitimacy, that governments may come and go and inexperienced minister may be appointed, but they remain where they are with both the expertise and experience a new minister is almost certainly going to lack. they prepare policy papers and speeches for ministers they deal with a minister's correspondence and help to prepare him/her for questions that might arise in the House of Commons they maintain a minister's official diary and minute meetings they can consult with pressure groups to develop their knowledge on certain issues. civil servants can vote in elections, but while they are a member of the Civil Service, they cannot stand for a political office. all civil servants are bound by the Official Secrets Act, and they may not speak to the media or write about their experiences without permission. This came about after the Clive Ponting incident during the Thatcher years whereby civil servant Ponting, released to the media that the Argentinean warship the 'Belgrano' may well have been attacked by a British submarine outside of the exclusion zone imposed during the Falklands War. Clearly such information could have been damaging to the government. Ponting argued that he felt it was only right that the public knew the truth. Now, what is made available to the media/public comes from the government alone. senior civil servants must not be politically active. Civil servants must not be members of extreme left or right wing political parties - though they can be members of mainstream parties.

Some civil servants in sensitive posts (such as in the Defence Ministry) can have their private lives investigated by the Security Services.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is the independent prosecuting authority for the State of Western Australia, responsible for the prosecution of all serious offences committed against State criminal law. A separate body - the Commonwealth DPP - prosecutes offences committed against Commonwealth criminal laws. The DPP acts independently of the Government in decision-making on criminal prosecutions. The DPP is however responsible to the Attorney General for the operation of the Office. The DPP does not investigate crime - that is the role of the investigating agencies such as the WA Police Service and the Corruption and Crime Commission.

SECTION B Physical Resources 

Resource - Anything living or nonliving that can be harnessed, developed and used to improve the standard of living of people.

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Natural Resource - resource which is the result of acts of nature or processes taking place in nature. These include gold, rivers, arable land,

oil etc. that are essential for our survival while others are used for satisfying our basic wants

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Physical Resource - facilities built by man such as harbours, refineries, dams, etc which are used to create comfort, economic wealth and feed further production.

The major natural resources in the Caribbean can be divided into renewable and non-renewable resources. The renewable resources include: 

Land

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Water (SOURCE OF ENERGY)

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Forests

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Solar energy (SOURCE OF ENERGY)

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Wind (SOURCE OF ENERGY)

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Marine life

The non-renewable resources found in the Caribbean include: 

Petroleum and Natural gas (SOURCE OF ENERGY)

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Bauxite

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Geothermal energy

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Gold

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Diamond

Let us begin to explore the renewable resources found in the Caribbean. Land The Caribbean countries may be small, but there is always an abundance of rich, fertile soils which is mainly used for subsistence farming, commercial farming, commercial estates, development of housing, development of social amenities and industrial estates, mining, beaches, hotels, parks, construction of roads etc.

The Importance of Agriculture to the Region

Agriculture plays a major role in the region's economic growth because it increases income, employment and nutrition. The Caribbean region benefits heavily from its trading relation with Europe and the United States of America because the export of traditional and non-traditional crops earns large sum of foreign exchange. In the same breath, amidst the high level of export, the region has become dependent on food import from those regions and is now believed to be the largest food importing sub region in the hemisphere. The government has a unique role to play in ensuring that the agricultural sector remains viable. There needs to be a reduction in the importation of food items that can be produced locally. In this vain, the money that would be saved from importing large volume of food could be reinvested in the agricultural sector making it more attractive for the younger generations. Water as a Resource Living things cannot survive without water. However, such a commodity is becoming scarce in the Caribbean and the world at large. Human beings survival depends upon the availability of clean and safe water. Uses of Water

1) Provides Food - The sea, rivers and lakes host an abundance of food suitable for human's consumption such as fish, shellfish, seaweed, lobsters, oysters, etc.

2) Transportation - The water bodies facilitate the movement of boats, cargo ships and cruise ships with people and goods to various parts of the world.

3) Recreation - There are many water sports to be enjoyed by humans, some of which include; swimming, fishing, surfing, sailing, diving and skiing.

4) Industrial Use - there are many industries that make use of the flow of water that drives generators that produce needed electricity.

5) Agriculture - water is needed and used for irrigation purposes and also used as a solvent for pesticides and fertilizer

6) Water is used for domestic purposes such as drinking, cooking, house cleaning, bathing, washing among other things.

There are many other uses of water, in your groups, identify and discuss other important uses of water.

SOLAR ENERGY Solar energy is energy that is generated from the sunlight. The Caribbean region experiences a tropical marine climate all year round, which suggests that it is the largest source of energy available to the people in the region. The Caribbean governments have recognized that if solar energy is properly explored, then it can prove cost-effective than petroleum use. Solar Energy as the alternative source of energy in the Caribbean Advantages of using solar energy as the alternative source of energy in the Caribbean

1. It is non-exhaustible 2. It is totally free 3. It does not produce any pollutants which mirrors that of petroleum use. 4. It is noise free Uses of Solar Energy in the Caribbean 1. use for crop drying in food processing industries 2. Provide heat for domestic purposes 3. Generation of electricity on a small scale 4. Solar powered calculators

THE WIND The use of wind as a source of energy is not very popular in the Caribbean. There are a few Caribbean countries however that has employed the use of wind to supply energy. Such countries include Jamaica, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados. Advantages of using Wind as an alternative source of energy in the Caribbean 1. It is totally free 2. It is pollution free 3. It is a renewable resource Drawbacks to using wind as an alternative source of energy 1. The required force of wind needed is not always available 2. The setting up of windmills to generate the energy may interfere with the aesthetic beauty of the land. (the clearing away of trees or land for set up)

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS Petroleum is the main source of energy in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago and to a lesser extent, Barbados, are the only Commonwealth Caribbean countries that produce oil. Petroleum takes three forms, crude oil, natural gas and pitch. Uses of Petroleum 1. Generates electricity 2. used as fuel in internal combustion engines such as cars, buses, trains , aeroplanes, etc.

Drawbacks to Petroleum use 1. It produces green house gases such as carbon monoxide and methane 2. The price of Petroleum fluctuates frequently. 3. Petroleum use creates pollution problems

BAUXITE AS A RESOURCE In Jamaica and Guyana, bauxite plays a major role in the development of the countries' economies. The bauxite sector employs a large proportion of the country's labour force and is likewise a major source of foreign exchange. Haiti is also a producer of bauxite, but it is not a major producer because of economic constraints. The extraction of the bauxite is very expensive, coupled with the fact that those countries are importers of petroleum needed in the extraction process. The demand for bauxite on the international market has decreased considerably, and this has slowed the growth of the bauxite sector in those countries.

Improper use of Land:

1. Mining and Quarrying Operations - These activities involve the removal of vegetation and top soil. The trees that are removed are not replanted, and this contributes to soil erosion. 2. Activities that include the building of commercial estates, industrial estates, roads and housing on prime agricultural lands

3. Bad Farming Practices such as: - Overgrazing - all the vegetation is removed by animals such as goats and cattle that graze on the same pasture for a prolonged period. - Up and down slope ploughing. - Monocropping - the planting of a single type of crop on the same piece of land in successive order. - Slash and Burn. - Deforestation. All these actions contribute to soil erosion.

Land Pollution Land pollution has been a growing problem in the Caribbean. See if you can identify with any of the following ways in which the land is polluted: 

Poor farming practices associated with the improper use of pesticides and fertilizers.

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Dumping solid and liquid waste on vacant lots, beaches, roadsides and in the backyard

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Industrial actions such as the dumping and burying of toxic waste

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Quarrying for building materials

Effects of Land Pollution 

Fertilizers and pesticides are made up of chemicals that may be transmitted to plants and eventually to humans who consume the plants causing diseases

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The dumping of solid waste causes offensive odour and likewise create an unhygienic environment that aids the spread of diseases

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Toxic waste destroys the soil content, thus slowing or preventing food production

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It deters others from taking up residence in the area

IMPROPER USE OF WATER Water Pollution Water pollution is concerned with the introduction of harmful substances into our rivers, lakes, sea and wet land areas that adversely affect human, animals and the aquatic life.

Effects of Water Pollution 1. Agricultural inputs such as pesticides have a toxic effect on the aquatic life 2. Contamination of the water that results from household and industrial wastes causes the spread of water borne diseases 3. Livelihoods are disrupted, for example fishermen.

4. Recreational areas for bathing and other aquatic activities are restricted 5. Areas are flooded because water bodies are blocked by solid wastes which eventually cause loss of lives and destruction of properties. 6. Decline in Tourism

AIR POLLUTION

The major cause of air pollution is Humans' activities. As urbanization and industrialization increase, air pollution increases accordingly. The following actions account for the high level of pollution in the Caribbean: 1. Exhaust as a result of factories, mining and quarrying operations 2. Toxic emissions from motor vehicle exhausts 3. Aerial spraying of crops 4. The burning of garbage at land fills and at home

Natural Sources of Air Pollution 1. Volcanic eruptions that emit poisonous gases into the atmosphere (occurs in the Eastern Caribbean islands)

2. Forest and bush fires

3. Plants

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION 1. It contributes to global warming 2. Air pollution affects human's health (brings temporary and permanent injury to the respiratory system) 3. Air pollution decreases visibility (the ability to see clearly), especially when one is walking or driving. 4. Air pollutants damage buildings. 5. Pollutants such as carbon monoxide, when inhaled, displace the oxygen in the blood, thus, reducing the amount of oxygen carried to the body tissues.

6. It damages plant life.

GLOBAL WARMING GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming refers to the accelerated warming of the earth's surface caused in part by the green house effect.

THE GREEN HOUSE EFFECT The Green house effect is caused by the green house gases such as Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Hydrogen, Nitros Oxide, Ozone, Neon and Helium which surround the earth's atmosphere. All of these gases act like a form of blanket, trapping some of the heat which has been absorbed by the earth from the sun during the day that is suppose to radiate back out into space. This blanket of gases is responsible for maintaining warm temperatures on earth, the

absence of these gases would result in the earth being frozen. However, too much of these gases in the earth's atmosphere will result in the temperatures rising worldwide because they will now trap more heat within the earth, resulting in global warming. Increase in the earth's temperature is as a result of human's activities.

NOISE POLLUTION

Have you ever been sitting down in peace and tranquility and suddenly all that becomes interrupted with loud, undesirable sound? If yes, you have had a case of noise pollution. Exposure to noise levels of over 100 decibels may result in temporary hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to noise at this level damages the ear drums, resulting in deafness (permanent hearing loss).

CAUSES OF NOISE POLLUTION 1. Noise from public address systems, street dances, stage shows, and parades 2. Noise from transportation equipment - blaring of sirens, roar of aircraft, honking of horns

3. Noise from construction sites - cranes, tractor and blasting from mining 4. Noise from household appliances 5. Noise from shopping centres and Malls 6. Barking of dogs

CONSEQUENCES OF NOISE POLLUTION 1. Physiological effects such as high blood pressure, hypertension and nervousness 2. Inability to sleep causing restlessness and tiredness 3. It causes mental fatigue 4. Inability to concentrate All the above factors hinder productivity at work.

TASK: Identify and list at least three solutions to the problem of Noise Pollution

CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES Since survival of the human species depends on the availability of the physical resources, it is therefore important that we monitor closely our actions to ensure that the physical environment is protected and conserved. As concerned citizens, we need to start managing the environment properly to ensure adequate supplies of natural resources, not just for today’s generation, but for future generations. Conservation should be a major concern of governments and people alike because it is evident that there is a rapid growth in the population which has resulted in an increase for renewable and non-renewable resources. Let us conserve our Resources!!!

Conservation of Land It is important that the society understands the importance of land in the balance of nature and this can be achieved through educational programmes that emphasize land conservation.

Conservation of Water As mentioned earlier, Human beings survival depends upon the availability of clean and safe water. The growing population, industrialization and human’s wastage have made it even more difficult to obtain clean water. Let us conserve Water!

Conservation of the Forest Most of the Caribbean land area is covered by tropical forests. Human’s survival depends on the forest; therefore, protecting it is essential.

Let us conserve our Forest!

Conservation of Marine Life

Air Conservation

Human Resources

Interpretation of Data Use the following questions to test how well you can interpret the population pyramids 1. Which country has the largest ageing population? 2. Which country experienced the lowest birth rate? 3. Which country has the highest dependency ratio? 4. Which country has a rapid decline in the fertility levels? Justify your response. 5. Which country will require the government to provide more educational facilities while at the same time creating job opportunities? 6. Write brief summary of the three countries highlighted on the pyramids.

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Human Resource - the skills, talents, values, attitudes, abilities, and creativity which the people of a country possess which may be developed through education and training. The skills and creativity of the people are used to develop the natural resources which ensure the development of the society.

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Population - the total number of people who live in a specific area at a certain point in time.

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Sustainable Development - speaks to developments that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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Demography - the scientific study of the population that serves to determine its characteristics such as size, composition, structure and distribution.

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Population Composition - the total make up or characteristics of the people in a population. These include gender, age, ethnicity, religion, occupation etc.

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Population Distribution - the geographical location of the people in a population

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Population Density - the number of persons concentrated in a region in relation to the land area, in other words, it refers to the average number of people living per unit area of a region or country.

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Migration - the movement of persons from one geographical location to another in order to settle.

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Immigrant - a person who arrives in a country to settle

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Emigrant - a person who leaves his or her country to settle in another

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Net Migration - the difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants in a country during a particular year.

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Urbanization - the movement of people in large numbers from rural areas such as small villages to urban areas.

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Natural Increase - this refers to a situation in which the number of births is greater than the number of deaths

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Birthrate - the number of births in a particular period (usually a year) for every 1,000 members of the population

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Death rate - this is also known as mortality rate, and it is the number of deaths in a particular period for every 1,000 members of the population

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Infant Mortality Rate - the number of deaths of children under one year for every 1,000 live births occurring in the same year.

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Fertility Rate - the actual childbearing performance of live births per 1000 women between the ages of fifteen and forty four

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Life expectancy - the average number of years that persons in a given population are expected to live.

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Dependency Ratio - refers to those persons who are below the age of 15 years and are above 65 years of age who depend on those who are in the labour force and are employed.

Population and Resources 

Overpopulation - situation in which the resources of a given area are not sufficient to support or provide for the needs of that area.

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Under population - situation in which a population is too small to fully utilize the resources available.

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Optimum Population - The number of people who can enjoy a reasonable standard of living with the resources available in a given area.

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Depopulation - a condition in which the population of an area or country decreases on account of varying factors such as insurgence, political unrest, natural disasters, etc.

Human Resource 

Employed - people who obtain salaries or wages for the work they, some of which are consistent with their qualifications

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Unemployed - situation in which a person is willing to work but have no work or has not yet found a job.

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Under employed - relates to those who accept jobs for which they are overqualified or who work for less than the standard number of working hours in a given day-less than eight hours a day (part-time/temporary).

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Unemployable - refers to those persons, who for varying reasons cannot get jobs at all or will not work for any length of time.

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Labour Force - that part of the population which is between the ages of 16 and 65 years who are employed or available for work. Bear in mind that persons who are unemployed also form part of the labour force.

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Population Census - demographic data of a country that gives a count and analysis of the population

Characteristics of a population The structure and characteristics of a population are usually determined by demographic information collected in a Census. You would have probably been exposed to the term Demography in objective number one, which speaks to the specialized study of the population. The information collected by demographers is forwarded to the government who uses it to make policies and decisions about and for the country.

POPULATION CENSUS

Interaction and integration of ethnic and religious groups The Caribbean is a multiracial and multi-religious society that embraces ecumenism. Most, if not all of the Caribbean countries host groups that are of European, African and Asian (Indians, Chinese and individual from the Middle East) origin because of the Colonial system that dominated the earlier centuries. Interestingly though, all of the ethnic groups identified above brought with them their religion which lives on today in these countries.

Let us take a closer look at our population and identify the different religions that are associated with the different ethnic groups that we can readily identify.

The Europeans were one of the first groups to settle in the Caribbean, and like any other group, they brought their religion, that of Christianity. As different nations occupied the Caribbean, through slavery and indentureship, religious diversity became evident through the contributions of the Asians (East Indians, Chinese and those from the Middle East) and Africans.

(Important - The Indigenous people, the Tainos and Caribs are still to be found in Guyana.) The Caribbean community is dominated by Christianity; however, varied sects and adaptations of Christianity can be identified. The Africans who were brought to the Caribbean as slaves also brought their own religious practices which overtime combined with the Christian practices of the Europeans and later evolved into new religions classified as Creole religions such as Voodoo and Santeria.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION There are many factors that dictate where people live in a particular country. You can go ahead and ask your parents or guardians about the factors that influence their current place of residence. You would probably be surprised. Nevertheless, let us find out why some areas are densely populated while others are sparsely populated.

Factors influencing population disttribution 

Climatic factors - There are some areas, primarily the major cities that are located on the leeward side of the Caribbean islands, away from the direct force of the northeast trade winds. People sometimes occupy these areas because of the protection from the direct force of hurricanes. There

are other areas that experience continuous rainfall or the opposite thereof (drought), such areas usually have a sparse population. 

Relief of the Land (Topography) - There are persons who have a preference for living in areas that are flat rather than those areas that are mountainous; flat areas presents less challenge when building a home or cultivating crops.

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Developed Areas (Urban Influence) - There is a high concentration of resources and facilities in the urban areas. These areas are usually ‘buzzing' with activities such as those in manufacturing, commercial, banking, cultural, recreational, etc and people are attracted to those factors.

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Mineral Resources - Mineral resources are associated with economic activities, which suggest job creation. People will want to live near those areas because of the availability of jobs.

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Fertile Areas - People have a tendency to settle in areas that are fertile, in particular those interested in farming. Even the non farmer is interested in a backyard garden, especially during period of hardship and economic recession where one is encouraged to grow what one eats and eat what one grows.

POPULATION DENSITY The number of persons living in a particular region in relation to the land area can be termed population density. This is of paramount importance to the policy makers who use this information to help make decisions about the distribution of important resources.

Let us get practical!! Let us say, for example, that the population size of St. Kitts is 50,000 and the

land area is 5,000 km2, using the information above, what would be the population density of St. Kitts? Calculation of population density- (the formula) Total population of St. Kitts ═ 50,000 people ═ 5,000 km2

Area of St.Kitts

═ 10 persons per km2

Try to calculate the densities of the following countries: (Based on 2004 estimates)

Countries

Area (km²)

Population

Jamaica

10,991

2,713,130

St. Lucia

616

164,213

Guyana

214,969

705,803

442

68,320

Montserrat

102

10,581

Belize

22,965

272,945

Density

Antigua and Barbuda

647 persons Barbados

430

278,289 per km²

The following factors influence population change:

The Caribbean, in recent times, has experienced a rapid population growth, which suggests that birth rate exceeds death rate. An increasing birth rate is an indication of the slow rate of development. When there is an increase in the number of people in a population, this is referred to as "population growth". The rate of population growth is determined by factors such as :

Calculating natural increase of a population is quite easy. Let us work at it!!

As was mentioned earlier, the population growth rate is obtained by finding the difference between the birth and death rates; hence, this can be arrived at by subtracting the death rate from the birthrate of the population. For example, country X has a birth rate of 22000 and a death rate of 15000, then one could deduce that this country has a natural increase of 7000. (22000 15000 = 7000) Get it? Try this. What if country Y had a death rate of 20 000 and a birth rate of 45 000, what would be the natural increase of country Y? Answer: ------------------

20 000 =

------------------

(Birth rate)

(Death rate)

(Natural increase)

The following factors affect the birth rate of a country: 

family planning awareness



Societal norms concerning family size



Educational levels of the population



Religious beliefs



Standard of living



----------------------------------------

Formula for calculating crude birth rate:

There are factors that give rise to the death rate as well, such include:  

Poor health care system

Under development of the country   

Poor housing conditions Poor personal hygiene

------------------------------------------

N.b. the blank spaces are provided for you to fill in additional factors.

Formula for calculating crude death rate:

Have you ever wondered how long you will live? I have, but, do not be afraid; with proper care and nutrition we can live a long and healthy life. The term that is used when referring to the average number of years a person in a given population is expected to live is Life Expectancy.

Exploration of the factors that affect Life Expectancy The following factors are taken into consideration: 

Access to sporting and Recreational facilities



Availability of proper health care facilities



Diet and nutrition



Stress levels



Availability of jobs



Among many other things

SOURCES AND USE OF POPULATION STATISTICS The information obtained from the population statistics is used by the government to determine its policies and programmes to be implemented. We are well aware that the population is always changing as it relates to its number and characteristics. The population statistics help not just the government, but also businesses as well in evaluating past decisions, performances and policies. Those past statistics serve to shape how future decisions and policies should be implemented for the betterment of the population. Information about the past and the current composition is useful, but information about the probably future structure helps the government to plan infrastructure and facilities to meet the demands of the ever changing population. Sources of the population statistics include: 

National Census - used by the government to prepare its policies and plan for the future of the population. This gives an analysis of the population and gives the government an idea of what is the most pressing problems or issues.



Registrar's Office - Responsible for registering important events such as births, death, marriage and fetal records. The following work is also done by the Registrar's office:

- Produce certified copies of birth, death and marriage upon request - Correct errors of fact on important records - Register Opticians, trade unions, building societies and staff associations - Record Deed Polls, Bills of Sale and Powers of Attorney etc - Keep safe historical and public documents inclusive of wills, naturalization, certificates of citizenship and laws of the land

There are many other things that this department is engaged in. 

Office of Naturalization:

- Receive application from foreign citizens to become a citizen of the host country - Monitor the implementation of a decision related to naturalization - Request recommendation or opinion from intelligence or police on an individual who has applied for citizenship - Determine the list of documentation required for deciding naturalization issues 

Records of religious institution:

- The records maintained by religious institutions are usually accepted as proof of birth, marriage, divorce and death. - Religious institutions maintain records of births, christenings, confirmations, bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah, marriages, divorces, etc.

INTERNAL MIGRATION When persons within a country change their place of residence, such movement is either permanent or temporary. The area to which the persons move will depend on push and pull factors discussed earlier. The followings are examples of internal migration: 

Rural - urban Migration



Rural - Rural Migration



Urban - Rural Migration

Rural - Urban Migration Most urban areas in the Caribbean countries usually experience a rapid population growth. People moving from the rural areas to settle in the towns or urban areas are classified as rural - urban migration. This type of migration has both positive and negative consequences (those will be discussed in more detail). In the Caribbean countries, the major urban centres are most time called the capital of the country and those areas usually host the highest portion of the population as people are always lured to those areas because of the prevailing opportunities afforded. Rural - Rural Migration This speaks to the movement of people from one rural area of a country to another rural area within the same country. This type of movement is not very popular in the Caribbean, but it does occur when persons relocate for economic factors. Let us look at a country like Jamaica, where the bauxite industry once boomed. Bauxite mining companies need lands to mine and so these companies buy the lands from individuals and relocate the occupants to other rural areas. Urban - Rural Migration The movement of people from the towns or urban centres to settle in the rural communities is so termed urban - rural migration. The following factors accounts for this type of movement: 

Crime and violence



Overcrowding



Unemployment



Pollution

There are many other factors apart from those listed. URBANIZATION Urbanization speaks to the physical growth of an urban area resulting from the migration of people in large numbers from the rural areas. The urban areas offer a more favourable setting: 

Generate jobs and better wages



Affords the delivery of better educational, health, cultural and other social services



Proper infrastructure - electricity, telephone, roads, water etc

Problems associated with Urbanization 

Loss of arable land



Pollution



Unemployment and poverty



Development of squatter settlements



Traffic congestion



Social deterioration (crime and violence)



Inability of the government to provide social amenities for the population

Solutions to the problems of Urbanization The government has a great responsibility in tackling the problems of urbanization; however, the problem could be lessened if there were:



Improvement in the basic infrastructures (road, water, electricity) in the rural areas



Decentralization - the establishment industries away from the cities



Established urban upgrading projects to replace slums (squatter settlements) with low income housing



An introduction of zoning regulations that ensure lands for agricultural purposes are not used otherwise



The provision of adequate social services in the rural areas



Limitations to the size of the cities by boundaries and population size

People are always moving, whether from the rural areas to the urban areas or from the urban areas to the rural areas to either settle temporarily or permanently. There are however several factors that influence people to move and those factors are classified as either pushor pull factors.

Exploration of the factors affecting Migration

There are certain conditions existing in ones environment that are not encouraging improvement in standard of living or upward mobility. Such conditions force people to leave their home region to seek better conditions in other areas that offer better opportunities. Those negative factors are referred to as Push factors. Push Factors: 

Lack of technology



Lack of job opportunities



Limited educational , recreational facilities



Political instability



Low wages



Lack of basic infrastructure- houses, roads, water, electricity supply



Crime and violence

There are certain conditions and opportunities in a country that prove attractive and very enticing and those conditions pull migrants. Such enticements may be: 

Technological advancement



Availability of jobs



Abundance of social and cultural amenities



Political stability



High wages



Proper infrastructure - roads, telephone/internet, electricity supply, housing etc



Low levels of crime

Greater educational opportunities When persons within a country change their place of residence, such movement is either permanent or temporary. The area to which the persons move will depend on push and pull factors discussed earlier. The followings are examples of internal migration: 

Rural - urban Migration



Rural - Rural Migration



Urban - Rural Migration

Rural - Urban Migration Most urban areas in the Caribbean countries usually experience a rapid population growth. People moving from the rural areas to settle in the towns or urban areas are classified as rural - urban migration. This type of migration has both positive and negative consequences (those will be discussed in more detail). In the Caribbean countries, the major urban centres are most time called the capital of the country and those areas usually host the highest portion of the population as people are always lured to those areas because of the prevailing opportunities afforded. Rural - Rural Migration This speaks to the movement of people from one rural area of a country to another rural area within the same country. This type of movement is not very popular in the Caribbean, but it does occur when persons relocate for economic factors. Let us look at a country like Jamaica, where the bauxite industry once

boomed. Bauxite mining companies need lands to mine and so these companies buy the lands from individuals and relocate the occupants to other rural areas. Urban - Rural Migration The movement of people from the towns or urban centres to settle in the rural communities is so termed urban - rural migration. The following factors accounts for this type of movement: 

Crime and violence



Overcrowding



Unemployment



Pollution

There are many other factors apart from those listed. URBANIZATION Urbanization speaks to the physical growth of an urban area resulting from the migration of people in large numbers from the rural areas. The urban areas offer a more favourable setting: 

Generate jobs and better wages



Affords the delivery of better educational, health, cultural and other social services



Proper infrastructure - electricity, telephone, roads, water etc

Problems associated with Urbanization 

Loss of arable land



Pollution



Unemployment and poverty



Development of squatter settlements



Traffic congestion



Social deterioration (crime and violence)



Inability of the government to provide social amenities for the population

Solutions to the problems of Urbanization The government has a great responsibility in tackling the problems of urbanization; however, the problem could be lessened if there were: 

Improvement in the basic infrastructures (road, water, electricity) in the rural areas



Decentralization - the establishment industries away from the cities



Established urban upgrading projects to replace slums (squatter settlements) with low income housing



An introduction of zoning regulations that ensure lands for agricultural purposes are not used otherwise



The provision of adequate social services in the rural areas



Limitations to the size of the cities by boundaries and population size

There are certain terms that are associated with international migration, these are: 

Emigration - refers to the movement out of a country



Immigration - refers to the movement into a country



Net Migration - refers to the difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants in a country in a particular year.

Let us further explore the concept of Net Migration!! In a country where there are more immigrants than emigrants, the net migration will be described as being positive, In contrast, if a country has more people leaving than those coming in the country, then the net migration of the country will be negative. Calculating Net Migration:

Work this!! Example 1. In St.Vincent, 3500 persons entered the country to settle and 2200 of the residents migrated to settle in the neighbouring country of St. Lucia. Calculate the net migration and state whether or not it is positive or negative. Answer: Immigrant ( 3500) - emmigrant (2200) = Net Migration (1300) St. Vincent is experiencing a positive net migration which suggests that the country's population is increasing. Example 2. It was reported that a whopping 12000 persons emigrated from Anguilla to settle in Trinidad and Tobago during the course of last year. During that same year, the country of Anguilla accommodated 7200 persons who came to settle. Calculate the net migration. Calculation:

What can we say about the net migration of this country?

Yes!! You are right, the net migration is negative, which is an indication that the population is decreasing. Emigration and Immigration speak to migration of some sort, let us detail some of the consequences of migration on the receiving country as well as the country of origin.

The Country of Origin

DEVELOPING THE HUMAN RESOURCES The most important and valuable resources in any country are the skills, talents and abilities which the people possess and are so termed Human Resources. If you look around, in your present environment, there stands a teacher at the head of the class. He or she is valuable human resource. Do you go to the doctor when you are sick? Do you think of the farmer as you eat the farm products? Do you think of the persons who write the books that you take pleasure in reading? What about the engineers who construct the high rising building? Yes, they represent a portion of the variety of human resources that exist in our environment. Can you identify other human resources in your environment?

Good job!! The importance of developing human resource in any country is of utmost importance. The physical resources of a country cannot be developed without the intervention of human resource; in fact, a country's economic growth is solely dependent on how the people use the skills, technology and creativity to develop the physical resources.

The following factors contribute to the development of human resources: 

Nutrition and Health



The availability and access to primary and curative health care



Education (basic, moral, vocational and professional training, rehabilitation training)



The availability and access to various types of educational institutions



Sports/Recreation



Culture

Exploration of the factors that contribute to the development of Human Resources THE ROLE OF HEALTH IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES The Caribbean people are generally known for being hard working and productive, but a lot of persons could have made greater contribution to the economic development of their country if they had not been affected by ailments or deficiencies. There is a direct relationship between a healthy country and its productive capacity. It is with such in mind that the governments of the Caribbean countries have made special allocation in their budgets for health care. The governments as well as private institutions provide health care at three levels, primary, secondary and tertiary. NUTRITION Nutrition is the process of ensuring that your bodies receive the right kind of food in the right proportion, thus promoting a healthy lifestyle. The food we eat contains all the essential nutrients needed for correct functioning of our bodies on a day to day basis. One's nutritional needs can be satisfied by eating food from the different food groups. However, if we eat more than our bodies need, we become obese and may develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases among others. People who suffer from diseases on account of eating more than

their bodies need are unable to work effectively and may die early. There are other factors that contribute to good health, these include exercising, getting enough sleep and rest- all of which vitalize, refresh and restores the body.

GOOD HEALTH CAN BE MAINTAINED AT THREE LEVELS

TYPES OF HEALTH CARE

Mental health is just as important as physical health. In fact, a person is described as being healthy when he/she is physically, mentally and emotionally stable. Mental health speaks to the ability to maintain an even temper, an alert intelligence, socially acceptable behaviour and a happy disposition. There are those who suffer from a mild mental health condition while there are others who suffer from a severe mental problem. Those who have a simple mental health can be treated at home while those with the severe cases are referred to mental institutions for treatment Societies' reaction to mental illness The society does not usually respond favourably to individuals suspected of suffering from mental illness, thus making the healing process more difficult. The reactions towards mentally ill patients include: 

Pity



Scorn



Resentment



Fear

It is important that the government plays its part in educating the public on mental illness as it relates to their causes, effects, treatments and the role the public can play in helping the mentally ill person recover.

A country's most prized resource is its people who are born with innate skills, talents, intelligences and abilities and these are further developed through education. Education provides the problem solvers, creative thinkers, and skilled manpower that the Caribbean region needs for social, technical and economic development. The Caribbean government as well as the private sector have realized that the more educated people become, the more likely they are to achieve high levels of productivity and have so invested large sums of money in the education system, which functions as a resource for national development. Let us discuss the role of government in education!!

THE GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN EDUCATION The governments of the Caribbean see to the development of education through: 

Making primary education free for most primary school children



Universal secondary education



Encouraging and implementing school feeding programmes for children in some countries



Granting government scholarships to individuals who desire to pursue tertiary level education



Establishing adult education programmes to meet the demand of the job market



Covering the cost for books through the establishment of book rental schemes in secondary institutions



Placing greater emphasis on early childhood education to minimize or to eradicate the problem of illiteracy



Subsidizing the tuition for tertiary education in some universities and colleges



Revising the Curricula

Establishing a government office that oversees the educational systems in the respective countries These are just a few of the many ways in which the Caribbean governments show support for the improvement in education.

LEVELS OF EDUCATION

People in the community who are physically challenged are often referred to as people with special needs. The Caribbean has a lot of physically challenged persons who finds it difficult to communicate with others because the public is not educated on their state. Physically challenged persons include, but are not limited to the following: 

Hearing impaired persons



Blind persons



Paraplegics (persons whose lower part of their body is paralyzed )



Quadriplegics ( persons whose body is paralyzed from the neck down)



Amputees (persons who have lost parts of their body through surgery)



Cerebral palsy victims (disorder resulting from damage to the central nervous system)

The Caribbean governments have recognized and highlighted the fact that the physically challenged man possesses necessary skills and intelligences which can be developed and used for the benefit of the society. Therefore, the governments have placed a special thrust on ensuring that those with special needs and skills acquire formal education just as the average persons. The following considerations are given by the governments to those with special needs: 

Enact laws which will compel parents to send their special needs children to school



Increased the number of special education units in primary and secondary schools



Establish special units in Ministries of education to provide for the needs of special education institutions



Provide suitable transportation for the special need people, such as ramps in schools and buses with wheel chair facilities



Provide library facilities for the blind and visually impaired students (providing braille and suitable computer software)



Provide help for parents who need assistance in sending their of special needs children to school



Ensure special training for teachers to attend to the physically challenged child

There are many other contributions made by the government to individuals with special needs and I am sure you can add to the list. The special considerations given by the government and others have seen to the full participation of the physically challenged person in the social life and development of the societies in which they live. SPORTS/RECREATION We all, at sometime, engage ourselves in activities in an attempt to relax our mind, body and soul. Those different activities engaged in are referred to as Recreation. A person whose job is physically demanding in most instances requires a hobby that is mentally stimulating (music, art, reading, etc) while another person who is enrolled in a sedentary job will find physical activity refreshing and rewarding ( climbing, hunting, etc). This contributes to good physical and mental health so necessary for the development of the human resource. Recreational activities provide for character building, self-discipline, fitness, mental alertness among many other things. It is therefore important that each person develops some leisure time activity because it is an important contributor to the total well-being of man.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT Cartoon- Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment

Task Insert the name of the cartoon characters that best describes the following concepts:

1. Unemployment ______________________________ 2. Underemployment _______________________________ 3. Employment _______________________________

Employment is important for the following reasons: 

To earn an income to provide for family members



To preserve one's status and self respect



To provide a means for social mobility



To earn an income that will provide for the future as it relates to retirement



To enable one to purchase the goods and services needed to improve and maintain their standard of living

The working population may be classified into three industries: primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary workers are concerned with the extraction of raw materials or natural resources. Secondary workers are found in construction and manufacturing or processing industries which change the raw materials into useful products. Tertiary workers provide the service which enable primary and secondary industries to produce the goods which are distributed to local and foreign consumers. Classification of Workers in our society

AVAILABILITY OF JOBS You may have heard a friend or family member expressing difficulty in finding suitable employment. Jobs are sometimes not readily available. The following factors influence employment: 

Level of competition in the labour market



Availability of natural or physical resources and the technology to exploit them



Availability and use of capital to create employment



Availability and range of markets for locally produced goods and services



Prevailing economic conditions



Profitability of firms which will determine their ability to hire additional workers

There are many other factors and I am sure you can supply them.

The following mapping gives a brief overview of the governments' role in creating employment opportunities for the people:

UNEMPLOYMENT Unemployment has been a major issue in the Caribbean. In fact, this problem has crippled many families and has had far reaching negative effect on the society. The Caribbean governments are having great difficulty in addressing this paramounting issue, amidst their efforts; it is still getting worst. In an effort to understand this problem, let us first examine the possible causes of unemployment in the Caribbean.

Chart highlighting some of the causes of unemployment in the Caribbean:

There has been a major concern as it relates to the borrowing relationships that Caribbean countries have with international lending agencies. Entering into those relationships seems to be one of the factors perpetuating the poverty cycle in the countries. It is no secret that most of the Caribbean countries lack the capital to build factories and establish projects which can create employment; however, when they borrow from international lending agencies (World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), etc), most of the earnings from the projects or factories go back into servicing the debts and so the government will continue to have less capital to create new jobs.

TYPES OF UNEMPLOYMENT

Diagram showing the types of employment that exist in our society

EXPLORATION OF THE TYPES OF UNEMPLOYMENT

The replacement of the labour force (skilled or unskilled) by the introduction of automation, mechanization, computerization or other types of technology at the workplace.

Employers may not grant permanent status to certain workers, especially those who are semi-skilled or low skilled. Such workers may experience long period of inactivity (unemployment) between jobs.

This type of unemployment results from a down swing in the levels of economic activity in a given area. For example, the drop in prices for certain products on the world market will affect the local industries that normally export such goods. This therefore would cause a cut back on production and inorder to save costs, employers would lay off workers

This type of unemployment occurs after the crop season or the tourist season has ended.

This type of unemployment is caused by normal factors such as being fired for inefficiency, becoming redundant or leaving in search of a better job.

Unemployment resulting in a change of demand for one kind of product or service as opposed to another. For example, the demand for Caribbean bauxite from Jamaica and Guyana has declined, many persons have been displaced from their jobs.

The following conditions may exist in the Caribbean on account of the high rate of unemployment:



Human and physical resources will be underutilized



Decline in the standard of living



Some people may lose their wealth, savings and property because of inability to service loans



"Brain drain" in the region will continue to rise



Increased emotional and psychological problems leading to suicidal tendencies



Widespread social and political instability which will make the countries seem unattractive to potential investors who could create job opportunities



Broken families



Increase in social problems such as drug abuse, prostitution, child abuse, unplanned pregnancies etc.



Illegal migration

Government revenue will fall as a result of reduced spending by the unemployed consumers.

FACTORS AND PROCEDURES TO CONSIDER IN CHOOSING A JOB OR BEING SELF EMPLOYED Is there a difference between a job and a career? Good question isn't it? Let us see if we can find the difference. There are many persons who actually believe that choosing A career is the same as choosing a job, but that is where they go wrong. LET US MAKE SOME BASIC COMPARISONS.

Discuss the information presented above with your class mates and see if you can make a distinction between a job and a career. After being exposed to the information presented above, we can therefore conclude that choosing a career is not as simple as we would have thought; it requires much guidance and information to in the process of selecting the most appropriate courses at school.

What is Career Guidance?

Career guidance is the process used to help individuals choose a career that is related to their interests, capabilities, needs and ambition. Choosing a Career It is important that one chooses a career that is best suited to his capabilities, interests and the developmental needs of the country. The following information should therefore be collected to aid ones choice of career: 

The demands of the particular job



The benefits associated with the job



The opportunities for advancement and promotion



The hours of work



The health and safety hazards associated with the job



Distance from place of residence



The levels of wages and salaries paid



Recognition and status of the job

CAREER GUIDANCE

Sources of Information on Career Guidance

The following factors underscore the importance of choosing a career: 

It makes one better able to perform at his/her maximum potential in the job for which he/she has been prepared



It encourages people to realize their goals through careful planning which takes into consideration their social and economic circumstances



It provides for persons to be self actualized because they are engaging in activities which they like



Productivity levels will be maximized

There are certain basic tasks that you are required to complete before gaining entry into the world of work. These basic tasks are: 

Preparing a letter of application



Preparing a personal resume



Preparing for the interview



Preparing for the examination

The letter of application serves to introduce the applicant to the employer. The followings should be observed when writing this important letter: 1. State clearly the position/job for which you are applying; 2. State clearly, yet concisely, why you want the job and refer to your qualifications, experience and personal characteristics;

3. State clearly why you are interested in the organization and indicate clearly how it will benefit by employing you; 4. Ensure that your letter is free of grammatical and spelling errors.

Your letter, as well as your resume is your greatest marketing tools. If they are properly written, the employer may respond by inviting you for an interview. Preparing for the interview The interview gives you an opportunity to sell yourself to your prospective employer and likewise give your prospective employer an opportunity to carefully assess you. It is therefore important that you: 1. Research the organization. A good knowledge of the organization gives a good impression. 2. Dress appropriately and avoid excessive accessories 3. Arrive on or before time for the interview. A last minute entrance makes a poor impression. 4. When asked questions, speak clearly and politely 5. Ensure that all necessary documents are in place ( extra copies ) in the event they are requested of you by interviewer

The Examination Depending on the nature of the job, you might be required to sit an examination, so it is important that you prepare. It is however also important that you find out if such will be required so you can make adequate preparation.

Self Employment There are many factors that account for persons being unemployed, in this regard, self employment becomes an option.

The following chart highlights critical components of a business plan

The resume gives a summary of your employment history and qualifications for your prospective employer. It is therefore important that the information presented is factual and can be proven. A good resume entails the following elements: 

Personal data



Career objective



Education



Work experience



Special skills (job related)



Extra curricular activities



References RESUME

Name: Ann Marie Carter Address: Lot 24 States Heights, Spanish Town P.O. St. Catherine Sex: Female Date of birth: December 20, 1979. Telephone: (1876) 333-3333

Nationality: Jamaican Marital Status: Married Career Objective: To be gainfully employed to an organization that enables me to grow professionally and personally and affords me the opportunity to act on my own initiative, employ creativity and the knowledge acquired to achieve the company's objectives. Education and Qualifications: 2006 - 2008 The University College of Cambridge Masters of Arts in Linguistics (Spanish and French) 2000 - 2002 The International University of Carlong Bachelors of Arts in Spanish Education (Hons.) 1996 - 1999 Moravian Teachers' College Diploma in Spanish Education (Credit) 1991 - 1996 Albion High SchoolCaribbean Examinations Council (CSEC) General Proficiency Spanish, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Principles of Accounts and English Literature. Special Skills: September - December 2006 Certificate of Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Spread Sheet Work Experience: May 2002 - May 2009 The Spanish Embassy, George Headley Drive, Kingston 4. Special Responsibility: 2003 - 2009 Chief Spanish Translator, The Spanish Embassy Interests: Writing, reading and playing the guitar, References: John Doe General Manager of Nathamar's Food Producers Limited 54 Line Road, Kingston 10 (1876) 543-2233 Marisela Lopez-Hernandez Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica

14 Dominica Drive, Kingston 8 (876) 988-7777 COVERING LETTER Lot 24 States Heights Spanish Town P.O. St. Catherine Jamaica. June 11, 2009. Mrs. Diana Lancaster The Human Resources Manager Haven Resort Hotel St. Ann Jamaica. Dear Mrs. Lancaster: I am applying for the position of Spanish Translator as advertised in the Daily Globe on Sunday June 10, 2009. I am a graduate of the University College of Cambridge where I successfully read for my Masters Degree in Linguistics, with Spanish being my major. I worked for seven years as a Spanish Translator at the Spanish Embassy. My work ethics has awarded me the position of Chief Translator after two years of working with the organization. With the realization of the importance of technology in the workplace, I pursued and successfully completed a computer course to adjust to the ever changing work world. I was awarded employee of the year for four consecutive years at the Spanish Embassy, and I intend to bring the same level of hard work and dedication to the position in your hotel. I am interested in becoming a part of your team because your organization has established and maintained an incomparable relationship with Spain which has positively impacted Jamaica and the region. Attached is a copy of my resume. I am willing to attend an interview to discuss my future with your organization at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,

______________________ Ann Marie Carter

Regional Integration 

Bilateral Agreement - An agreement between two groups, countries or nations

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Multilateral agreement - Agreement among many groups, countries o nations.

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Common Market - An economic unit, formed of nations , intended to eliminate or markedly reduce trade barriers among its members

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Single market - A group of countries that have few or no restrictions on the movement of goods, money and people between the members of the group

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Economic integration - the process by which the economies of a group of countries are drawn more closely together so that the group as well as the individual countries becomes stronger or more developed.

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Independent State - self government of a county , nation or state by its residents and population

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Underdeveloped country - a relatively poor country with little or no material wellbeing.

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Developing country - a country that has not yet reached the stage of economic growth to stand on its own for further growth.

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Developed country - a country that has high level of development and high gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

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Trade Liberalization - the movement towards the removal of trade barriers among the members of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

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Globalization - the process by which countries all over the world are becoming connected or similar because large companies are doing business in many different countries.

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Multinational Corporation - Sometimes called transnational corporation is a corporation or enterprise that manages production and delivers services in more than one country.

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Trading Bloc - made up of a large number of countries, with the same political and economic aims, linked by special trading arrangements among them.

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Free trade Area - an arrangement whereby a group of countries agrees to remove the tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade among them.

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Intra-Regional Trade - countries in the region buying locally produced goods from or selling locally produced goods to, other countries in the region.

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Fiscal Policy - the use of government spending and revenue collection to influence economy.

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Monetary Policy - the process a government, central bank or monetary authority of a country uses to control the supply of money, availability of money and cost of money or rate of interest to attain a set of objectives oriented towards the growth of the economy.

Major Challenges Facing the Caribbean Region

In February, 2002, the Caricom treaty was revised, thus giving birth to the Caricom Single Market and Economy. This saw to the deepening of relationship among Caricom Member States. This was necessary to due to the process of Globalization. The following are some of the outlined objectives of the CSME: 

Free movement of goods, services, labour and capital among the Member States

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Improved standard of living and work

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Full employment of labour and other factors of production

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Accelerated, co-ordinated and sustained economic development

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Expansion of trade and economic relationships with third states

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Enhanced levels of international competitiveness

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Organization for increased production and productivity

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The achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States and entities of any description;

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Enhanced co-ordination of Member States foreign and extra-regional economic policies

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Enhanced functional co-operation including:

(i) More efficient operation of common services and activities for the benefit of its peoples (ii) Accelerated promotion of greater understanding among its people and the advancement of their social, cultural and technological development (iii) Intensified activities in areas such as health, education, transportation, and telecommunications.

FUNCTIONS The following bodies (Principal Institutions) have seen to the proper functioning of the OECS. 1. The Authority of Heads of Government of member states - This consist of the Prime Ministers of Member States. This institution is regarded as the supreme policy making institution of the OECS as they are bequeathed with the responsibility for the general direction and overall operation of the organization. 2. The Foreign Affairs Committee - Responsible for coordinating and developing foreign policies for the entire OECS Member States. 3. The Defence and Security Committee - This committee is responsible for ensuring that there is concerted and cooperative action among member states in defending their sovereignty, political independence and the democratic system of government.

4. The Economic Affairs Committee - This committee is responsible for the economic affairs of the OECS. It ensures that member states trade freely among each other and formulates plans for further economic development 5. The Central Secretariat - This arm is responsible for the general management of the OECS.

The OECS is very organized, and this has led to the formation of other institutions that assist in the performance of their functioning, namely: 1. Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) - The Monetary Authority for the Member States of the OECS. 2. Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court - Adjudicates over the Member States of the OECS. 3. Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) - Serves as advisors to the governments of the OECS on all matters relating to Civil Aviation - airports and airfields developments, adequacy and efficiency of air services etc. 4. Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) Responsible for establishing code of ethics and regulatory policies which govern and guide the management of the Telecommunications Sector in the Member States.

FUNCTIONS OF THE CARICOM SECRETARIAT The Caricom Secretariat is the principal administrative organ of the Community. It is located in Georgetown, Guyana. This organ is headed by the SECRETARY GENERAL. The functions of the Caricom Secretariat include: § Making arrangements to facilitate meetings of the Organs and Institutions of the community. § Implementing and taking appropriate follow-up action on determinations taken by any Caricom body or institutions.

§ Initiating, organizing and conducting studies on issues relating to economic integration. § making available , on request , services to Member States of the Community on matters relating to the achievement of its objective. § Collecting, storing and disseminating to Member states the activities of donor agencies, international, regional and national institutions for the achievement of objectives of the community. § Preparing draft budgets and conducting fact-finding assignments in member states. § Providing technical assistance to national authorities to facilitate the implementation of Community decisions.

OBJECTIVES OF CARICOM

West Indies Associated States Council of Ministers (WISA) Membership The membership of the West Indies States Council of Ministers included:

WEST INDIES FEDERATION This was the first major attempt at regional integration in the Caribbean. They operated on the principle of strengthening the movement for self government, promoting economic development and to safeguard the democratic system of the member states that included: 

Antigua

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Barbados

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Grenada

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Dominica

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Jamaica

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Montserrat

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St Kitts/Nevis/ Anguilla

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St. Vincent

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St. Lucia

Trinidad and Tobago

Functions of the Conference of Heads of Government The Conference of Heads of Government consists of the heads of government or Prime Ministers of each member state of the Caribbean Community, with the exception of Guyana and Suriname who has Executive Presidents representing their interests. Montserrat uses their chief Minister to represent their interests at the Conference of Heads of Government. The heads of Government are expected to meet at least once a year and carry out the following functions: 

Decide on policies and general direction of Caricom

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Act as the final authority for the conclusion of treaties on behalf of Caricom and for entering into relationships between Caricom and International bodies.

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resolve conflict and disputes among member states

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make the financial arrangements to meet the expenses of the community.

The Caricom Secretariat is the principal administrative organ of the Community. It is located in Georgetown, Guyana. This organ is headed by the SECRETARY GENERAL. \ \The functions of the Caricom Secretariat include: \

Making arrangements to facilitate meetings of the Organs and Institutions of the community. Implementing and taking appropriate follow-up action on determinations taken by any Caricom body or institutions. Initiating, organizing and conducting studies on issues relating to economic integration. making available , on request , services to Member States of the Community on matters relating to the achievement of its objective. Collecting, storing and disseminating to Member states the activities of donor agencies, international, regional and national institutions for the achievement of objectives of the community. Preparing draft budgets and conducting fact-finding assignments in member states. § Providing technical assistance to national authorities to facilitate the implementation of Community decisions.

Exploration of the factors promoting regional integration 

Common language - The language of the Caribbean people is English, and this facilitates easy communication.

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Close Proximity - The Caribbean countries are relatively close to each other, hence, travel by air or sea from one country to another can be done in a relatively short space of time.

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Caribbean countries share a common history - Most of the Caribbean people are descendants of people who had been subjected to slavery and indentureship. This makes it possible for the Caribbean people to embrace each other.

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Common Cultural Heritage - The Caribbean people share a common culture in terms of language, dress, music, cuisine and general lifestyle. All these features make the integration process smoother.

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Small population - The Caribbean countries are at a disadvantage when competing against international markets because of their small size. Thus, coming together makes it easier to influence international markets.

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The Limited human and physical resources available in the Caribbean region necessitate the pooling and trading of these resources among Caribbean countries.

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Common economic, political and social problem - The Caribbean countries encounter similar problems, inclusive of, but not limited to unemployment, difficulty in accessing international markets, lack of adequate capital, poor housing and inadequate health facilities.

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The common challenges of Globalization and Trade Liberalization - Companies all over the world are doing business in many countries, filtrating into the Caribbean region creating unwelcomed competition. The Caribbean government can no longer restrict extra-regional imports to protect regional manufacturers/companies, hence, Caribbean businesses are required to amalgamate or face ruin.

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The increase in the number of trading blocs - Across the world, economic groupings and trading blocs are being established where a large number of countries are linked by special trading arrangements among them. For example, the European Union

(E.U.) The Caribbean is required to do the same to ensure productivity and continuity in its economic growth. Factors Hindering Regional Integration Caricom member states have made several attempts at integration, while some of these attempts have been successful, others have met upon obstacles that persist to present. The following factors have hindered the integration process of the Caribbean region: 

Absence of common model or strategy for development Caricom member states have pursued different strategies for political and economic development. There are some that depend on agriculture, another on tourism, one on petroleum. The fact that the varying countries are placing different emphasis on different strategies suggests that a common policy will not exist and countries will only be interested in policies that relates to the strategy they are pursuing. Jamaica would be more interested in debating a common policy on tourism or agriculture because they depend on those for economic development, but would generate little or no interest in a policy on petroleum because they do not pursue such for development.

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Differences in stages of growth and development - The fact that the Caribbean countries pursue different strategies for development means that they will all be at different levels of growth and development. The less developed countries are hesitant to trade with the more developed countries because of fear that they might be at a disadvantage. Such fear has led to the delay in the implementation of certain factors that would ensure or facilitate the integration process.

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Competition for location of industries - The government of each Member States wants what is best for their country; such aspiration usually leads to competition between the countries for the location of new industries. The competition often times evolves into envy and jealousy among member states.

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Conflict between territorial and regional demands and loyalties (Insularity) - The Caribbean countries tend to be more interested in

satisfying the immediate needs of the residence within their countries than attending to the demands of the region. The member states work hard to attain international attention as an individual country than working together as a part of Caricom to attain the same. 

Absence of Common Currency - The value of the money in each Caribbean country is different. There are some member states that do not accept the currency of others. In this regard, Caricom residents travelling through the region have to obtain the relevant currency. A common currency would provide for greater level of integration.

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Unequal distribution of resources - Some member states are blessed with more natural resources than others. Those countries that are abundant in natural resources have utilized the income gained from this wealth for their country's benefit rather than for regional benefit.

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Lack of diversification in production - It is interesting to note that most of the Caricom member states produce similar products. Most of the member states are dependent on agriculture; therefore, they process and manufacture products from sugar cane, bananas, cocoa, coffee and ground provisions. This puts constraint on intraregional trade.

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Influence of multinational corporations - Trans-national corporations have contributed to some of the Caricom Member states running a foul to the objectives of Caricom. Those corporations enter individual member states and bargain with individual governments to grant special benefits such as tax free holidays, repatriation of profits, duty free on raw materials among other things. Those benefits, most times, run contrary to the objectives of Caricom.

There are many benefits to be derived from being a member of Caricom:

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Reduction in unemployment and underemployment - The removal of the barriers to intra-regional trade among member states of Caricom increases employment in the region as consumers buy more regionally produced goods. Buying regionally produce goods ensure that jobs are maintained or created because of the demand.

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Increased market size - Caricom is committed to trade within the region. Therefore, integration provides a larger market for individual member state.

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Free movement of goods, labour and capital - All goods which meet the Caricom standards are traded duty free throughout the region, therefore, all goods created within the region can be traded without restrictions. There is also an agreed upon policy called The Caribbean Community Free Movement of Persons Act enacted in all CSME member states. Under this Act, it allows for the free movement of certain categories of skilled workers, which will later evolve into the free movement of all persons across the CSME member states. There is also a move to eliminate the various restrictions such as foreign exchange controls which will allow for the free movement of capital across the CSME member states. This will allow for the convertibility of currencies or a single currency and capital market integration.

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Better response to economic implications of globalization and trade liberalization - The act of the larger international companies doing business across the world and in the Caribbean has forced the Caribbean businesses to amalgamate in order to survive, thus creating a greater sense of unity. Caribbean governments can no longer protect the regional manufacturers by restricting extra-regional imports, as such; the Caribbean people have been encouraged to support regional manufacturers. Regional manufacturers have improved their products and services, and this has made it possible for them to compete with producers in developed countries.

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Improved levels of international competitiveness - Caricom has a stronger, more persuasive voice on international matters than as individual countries. The size of a country dictates to its power, and the integrated approach of the Caribbean countries has lent to greater influence on the international scene. Individual member

states are too small to withstand economic competition from more developed countries and trading blocs. A united voice among member states has resulted in better prices for extra-regional exports and cheaper prices for imports to the region from other international sources. 

Increased co-operation among member states -The Integration process among member states of Caricom has allowed for greater co-operation and utilization of the services offered by the different institutions of the organization.

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Improvement in the quality of life - The increased job opportunities accrued through the cooperative effort of the Caribbean states have led to job creation and economic development and a consequent increase in the quality of life for the Caribbean people.

Regional integration requires the full cooperation and support of citizens. The lack thereof will stifle the overall integration process which begins with the man in the street.

As a concerned citizen of the Caribbean community, it is ones role to foster the continued development of local and regional businesses by investing time and capital. Such facilitates the development of the region.

An external factor in the integration process is the challenges of trade liberalization. This has allowed for the flood gate to be opened for extra-regional imports to the Caribbean, in this regard, the Caribbean people must therefore and is required to support regional producers in order to ensure their survival and the economic development of the region.

Every man, woman, boy or girl has a unique role to play in the integration process. It is in this regard that being informed on the importance of cooperation within the region becomes paramount. There are previous organizations, inclusive of, but not limited to the West Indian Federation, that failed because the masses were not educated on the importance of the federation. Therefore, an informed citizen will see to the achievement of regional integration.

ROLE OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS The business organizations of the Caribbean can be described as the engines for expansion and growth in the region. The business operators are found in all of the major sectors inclusive of agricultural, manufacturing, industrial and services. One can therefore assume that the business organizations are major contributors to our economy. Private businesses account for at least fifty percent (50%) of employment which highlights the significant role that they have to play in the advancement of the region. However, the varying limitations and challenges faced by business organizations include low levels of productivity and quality, difficulty in accessing credit and capital markets, insufficient resources for research and development and inadequate infrastructure has facilitated the integration of business organizations across the region. Globalization and trade liberalization have further necessitated the development of networking and the formation of strategic alliances among the Caribbean businesses to become competitive on the international scene. In 2005, the Caribbean Association of Small and Medium Enterprises was established with the objective of facilitating joint ventures between businesses in the Caribbean through trade and market penetration. This integrated approach would make the small businesses more competitive and sustainable in the developing global environment. ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS 

Educating the citizens about the objectives and benefits of integration - one major problem that existed in Caricom was the poor dissemination of information to the people in the region. There existed a gulf between articulators of Caricom and the people of Caricom - the man in the streets. The average citizen knows little about the objectives and benefit of Caricom, it is therefore the role of the government to embark upon public education and facilitate the advancement of the integration process by educating the citizens on the objectives and benefits of regional integration. The mass media, schools, town council meetings, forums can

be used as vehicles to champion this cause which is critical to the development of the region. 

Enacting, enabling legislation - Any matter decided on by Caricom cannot be enacted within member states unless the government for individual member states agree to such. The integration process can be stifled or advanced by the action of individual government of member states. A government may delay the progress of the organization (Caricom) by simply refusing to agree to draft legislation or proposal which it thinks may put the country at a disadvantage. The result: a delay in the integration process because territorial interest supersedes regional objectives of Caricom. One can therefore conclude that critical to the integration process is the participation of governments to enact or enable legislations that foster regionalism.

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Harmonizing policies - The current aim of Caricom is to develop policies that encourage regional integration and transformation to the CSME. On the agenda to support the integration process is the full introduction of a harmonization framework that promotes the co-ordination of foreign policies among member states. The lack thereof sometimes leads to the harmful effects of competition, and that has been the main stimuli for wanting to harmonize taxes. It is therefore resting on the governments to accommodate the harmonization of common policies across the member states that enhance the objectives of Caricom and support the efforts of the integration process, which invariably benefits all.

ROLE OF REGIONAL AGENCIES IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS Areas of Regional Integration

Areas of regional cooperation AGRICULTURE

Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute

(CARDI) The Caribbean community presses forward towards regional food security. CARDI is one such organization that supports this drive and in an effort to ensure the attainment of regional food security, they have pursued the following objectives: 1. to provide for the research and development needs of the agriculture of the Region: 2. to provide an appropriate research and development service to the agricultural sector of Member States: 3. to provide and extend the application of new technologies in production, processing, storage and distribution of agricultural products of Member States: 4. to pursue for specified periods long-term research in pertinent areas: 5. to provide for the co-ordination and integration of the research and development efforts of Member States where this is possible and desirable.

The West Indies Cricket Board is branded as one of the oldest examples of regional cooperation. The West Indies Cricket Board's membership includes the 6 territorial cricket associations of various countries and territories which contest the West Indies first-class and limited overs competition in the Caribbean. The member associations are: ♦ Barbados Cricket Association ♦ Guyana Cricket Board ♦ Jamaica Cricket Association ♦ Leeward Islands Cricket Association ♦ Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board ♦ Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control

The key functions of this organization include: ♦ selecting a cricket team from the West Indies to contest matches abroad; ♦ arranging inter- territorial cricket matches; ♦ selecting suitable umpires for matches involving the West Indies team ♦ assist in financing cricket matches played in the West Indies or abroad ♦ formulating and amending cricket laws in conjunction with other international clubs.

CONCACAF CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean association football.) is the continent - wide governing body for football (soccer) in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. There are three South American entities, the independent nations of Guyana and Suriname and the French department of French Guiana that are also members of the confederation.

The football confederation organizes competitions, offers training courses in technical and administrative aspects of the game and builds football throughout the region through funding and other assistance. The primary administrative functions of the organization are to organize competitions for national teams and clubs and to conduct World Cup qualifying tournaments.

The OECS Sports Desk Vision Statement To achieve holistic development of our societies and integration of our region through the prioritization of sport and physical education in the agendas of OECS member states Role of OECS sports desk in the integration process The OECS sports desk serves to assist member states with the development and implementation of their national programmes in mobilizing resources and acting as a "clearing house" for information on sporting activities within the OECS region. The desk integrates the needs of the member states into its work programme through: 

Accessing information on opportunities for scholarships for promising athletes - the Sports desk will establish links with regional and extraregional tertiary institutions and agencies.

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Assisting in the coordination of regional championships

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Promoting the introduction of physical education in all schools in Member States;

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Promoting the effective marketing of sports and;

Providing support to member states towards improving sports administration, programme development

HEALTH

The Caribbean Environmental and Health Institute (CEHI) was formally established in 1988 for the purpose of ensuring that the Caribbean citizenry, both present and future will be able to experience a long and healthy life. The institute is headquartered in Castries, St.Lucia and has a membership of sixteen Caribbean countries. The CEHI serves as the technical arm of Caricom that provides technical and advisory services to the sixteen member states in areas of environmental management and environmental health.

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To provide technical and advisory services to Member States in all areas of environmental management including Environmental Quality Monitoring, Environmental Impact Assesment, Environmental Health Information, Water Resources Management, Laboratory Services and Project Development and Management.

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To act as :

i. a regional reference centre for the collection and dissemination of technical and scientific information; ii. a focal point for various environmental data, especially health-related , in the Caribbean region. 

To promote and coordinate applied research relevant to the environmental problems of the Caribbean region as identified by its Member States

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To prepare and keep inventories of:

i . education and training programmes especially those in related disciplines ii. regional experts and other manpower resources 

To conduct courses, seminars, symposium and other workshops

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To arrange and accept grants for financial scholarships and fellowships to facilitate the training of nationals of Member States.

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To stimulate the provision of engineering, public health laboratory and other related environmental services for Member States in accordance with their desires.

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To promote uniformity in professional practice, design and technical methods in programmes formulated for the improvement of Environmental Health and environmental management. CARIBBEAN EPIDEMIOLOGY CENTRE (CAREC)

VISION CAREC, A public health information, service and consulting organization, dedicated to being the best at providing information that people need to improve health and prevent disease in the Caribbean MISSION STATEMENT To improve the health status of Caribbean people by advancing the capability of member countries in epidemiology, laboratory technology and related public health disciplines through technical cooperation, service, training, research and a well trained motivated staff. CAREC CAREC is administered on behalf of 21 Member countries by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Americas. CAREC enjoys an international reputation for its work in support of Public Health in the Caribbean. Under a Multilateral Agreement, CAREC provides laboratory reference and epidemiology services to 21 Member countries. The institution is headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where there is a well equipped laboratory and qualified staff that carries out continuous research on diseases and disseminates the information to member states, thus safeguarding the health of Caribbean people.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA)

This agency was established in 1991(with head quarters in Barbados) and given the mandate to coordinate regional disaster management activities. There are currently sixteen members referred to as Participatory States. The agency is governed by a Council comprising the Heads of Government of Participating States and is headed by a Co-ordinator.

What is CDEMA? CDEMA is the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. This is the new name of the regional disaster management body formerly known as CDDERA (the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency) September 1, 2009 was the official date of transition to CDEMA. CDEMA has replaced and advanced the work of CDERA by embracing the principles and practice of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) which is an integrated and proactive approach to disaster management .CDM seeks to reduce the risk and loss associated with natural and technological hazards and the effects of climate change to enhance regional sustainable development

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) seeks to carry out the following functions in all participating States: 

Mobilizing and coordinating disaster relief;

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Mitigating or eliminating , as far as practicable, the immediate consequences of disaster in Participating States;

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Providing immediate and coordinated response by means of emergency disaster relief to any affected Participating State;

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Securing, coordinating and providing to interested inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations reliable and comprehensive information on disasters affecting Participating States;

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Encouraging-

i The adoption of disaster loss reduction and mitigation policies and practices at the national and regional level; ii Cooperative arrangements and mechanisms to facilitate the development of a culture of disaster loss reduction; and 

Coordinating the establishment, enhancement and maintenance of adequate emergency disaster response capabilities among Participating States.

MEDIA AGENCIES

The Caribbean Media Corporation, formed in August 2000 as a result of a merger between the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union's commercial operations, is the leading multimedia organization in the region. It is dedicated to the excellence in communication services, which include radio, television, print, satellite uplink distribution and news media across the Caribbean, the United States of America and around the world. Mission: To work with media houses in the region to highlight the best skills in journalism, broadcasting, publishing and technical services.

Way Forward The CMC strives to make inroads within the media industry by forging closer links between the Caribbean and the rest of the world. They continue to expand its outreach through satellite delivered media services for radio and television, while setting the standard for quality and reliability within the Caribbean's media industry. EDUCATION AGENCIES

University of the West Indies The University of the West Indies was established in 1948 with three campuses: St. Augustine in Trinidad, Mona in Jamaica and Cave Hill in Barbados. This institution developed a curriculum in the various faculties that were relevant to the needs of the people in the Caribbean. Before then, Caricom members had to go abroad for higher education. Since then, the information and knowledge gained from UWI has assisted greatly in the social-well being and higher standard of life among Caribbean people. Aim of the University To help unlock the potential for economic and cultural growth in the West Indies, thus allowing for improved regional autonomy. CARIBBEAN EXAMINATION COUNCIL The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) was established in 1972 under Agreement by the Participating Governments in the region to conduct such examinations as it may think appropriate and award certificates and diplomas on the results. Previously, the examination body (General Certificate of Education) was based in England and the subject matter was more relevant to Europe than the region. C.X.C. replaced the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations used by England. C.X.C. is an institution of CARIBBEAN PEOPLE by Caribbean people.

JUSTICE AGENCIES

CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE (CCJ) This is the highest court of appeal for CARICOM Member States. This court operates on the following mission and vision:

MISSION The Caribbean Court of Justice shall perform the highest standards as the supreme judicial organ in the Caribbean Community. In its original jurisdiction it ensures uniform interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, thereby underpinning and advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. As the final court of appeal for member states of the Caribbean Community it fosters the development of an indigenous Caribbean jurisprudence.

VISION: To provide for the Caribbean Community an accessible, fair, efficient, innovative and impartial justice system built on jurisprudence reflective of our history, values, and traditions while maintaining an inspirational, independent institution worthy of emulation by the courts of the region and the trust and confidence of its people.

SECTION C OPTIONAL Communication 

Communication – The process of transmitting verbal, visual or written information from one individual or group to another.

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Communication – The process of transmitting verbal, visual or written information from one individual or group to another.

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Communiqué –An official announcement issued by government after some negotiation or deliberation about an intent or agreement.

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News Agency – An organization that supplies news/information to subscribing newspapers, television stations, magazines and broad casting companies.

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Medium – Any means or device used to transfer message from one sender or source to a receiver or audience. (Medium, mode and channel of communication are synonymous in nature.)

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Message – Spoken or written information which is transmitted to someone.

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Receiver – The person or audience to whom the message is sent.

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Sender – The person or source that sends a message.

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Transmission – The process by which electrical signals and messages are sent out by radio, television or any other similar equipment

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Journalism – the occupation of reporting, writing, editing, photographing or broadcasting of news and information in the print or electronic media by a reporter.

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Propaganda – the spreading of ideas, information, or rumours for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause or a person. It may be transmitted via a mass medium.

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Censorship – the official control or suppressing of books, letters, news, films on grounds of immorality.

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Freedom of expression – the right to express oneself freely in speech or writing without violating any existing law

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Freedom of the press – the right of the press to gather and publish or broadcast information, ideas or opinions freely without government interference or prior censorship.

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Oral Traditions – cultural practices and ideas handed down through oral communication (stories, speech etc.).

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Voice mail – computer based answering machines that records telephone messages and store them in the recipient’s voice mailbox at the telephone exchange.

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Electronic mail – this is the sending and receiving of messages from one computer to another over a telephone or across networks to other computers.

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Website – a medium in the internet to advertise internationally. Exploring a website usually begins with the homepage, which leads to more information on the site.

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Teleconferencing – interactive group communication (three or more people in two or more locations) through electronic media such as video equipment, computers and telephone lines.

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Telecommuting – Working at home or at any place other than the office and communicating with an employer, co-workers or clients by telephonelinked computer.

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Telecommunications – The means of communicating at a distance by radio, telephone, telegraph, television, computer.

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Pager – a personal radio device that enables people to contact you when you are away from a telephone and informs you of all calls which you should return.

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Encoding – message sent in the form of code that is meant to be understood only by the sender and the receiver.

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Libel – A published statement (usually untrue) damaging to a person’s reputation or character. The intention is for the public to form a bad opinion of him or her.

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Slander – An act of speaking untrue things about another person with the intention of damaging people’s opinion of him or her.

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Internet – The global communication network that allows almost all computers worldwide to connect and exchange information.

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Copyright – The exclusive rights to copy sell or publish a literary, musical or artistic work.

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Plagiarism – the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.

Various form of communication used in the Caribbean Look around you!!! Look at the improvements in communication. Today, one can agree that communication has taken on a completely new meaning. Amidst such, it is still categorized in the forms of VERBAL and NONVERBAL Communication. Before we begin to explore the forms of communication, it is important that we be made to understand that the entire process of communication can be divided into major parts which include and not limited to:

Media of Communication There are various modes/media used to transmit information in and around the Caribbean communities, those include the following:

Important Note: Some of the media listed above are classified as “Electronic media of communication.” They are so termed because they transmit information using electricity. For example, radio, television, computers all requires the use of electricity in its operation.

Factors that influence forms and media of Communication Factors that influence forms and media of communication: 1. Geographical conditions 2. Socio-cultural factors 3. Technological factors

Let us explore the above factors!

Improvements in Communication Technology

The chart above highlights some improvements in communication technology, identify the type of communication technology labeled A-F.

A=

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B=

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C=

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D=

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E=

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F=

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Simplified Communication Process The sender is the person or the source that sends the message which may be in a form or code (encoding) that is meant to be understood only by the sender and the receiver. The encoded message may be in the form of a signal, a sound, or a written symbol. The message is transmitted from a sender to receiver through a particular mode or medium such as telephone, an e-mail, television, radio, face to face conversation, cell phone etc. Usually, a feedback is required

to determine if communication has taken place, but before the receiver can give a response, he or she must be able to interpret the form or code in which the message was sent correctly. The ability to interpret the message which came in varying forms such as signal, sound or symbol is called decoding.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION VS NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

In the activities below, identify verbal and non-verbal communication that may be used.

Factors Responsible for Breakdown in Communication In objective three, you were exposed to the various media of communication that are used on a daily basis. Even though one may choose the most up to date medium of communication, the intended audience may not always receive the message sent and the sender may not be able to evoke a response from the intended audience (receiver). When such occurs, we can safely say that a breakdown in communication has occurred. There are many factors that account for this breakdown in communication. READ!!: It is of great importance that the message be sent in a form that is clear, accurate and suited to the receiver’s level of education to ensure that the receiver responds to the message

Overview of some of the factors responsible for the breakdown in communications

♦ Age and Gender differences: - Teenagers usually have a different set of vocabulary than that of adults, thus making it quite difficult for adults to understand them, thus creating a barrier to effective communication. - Individuals enrolled in certain gender may communicate among themselves using certain words which another gender may not easily understand ♦ The Existence of racial or religious prejudices between sender and receiver: - There are certain words or statements used by individuals that may result in hostility and violence, thus hindering and breaking down the communication process. ♦ Differences in beliefs and ideology between the sender and receiver: - The kind of beliefs and ideology we carry with us can adversely affect communication between a sender and a receiver. Individuals may choose not to hear or understand message being communicated simply because they share different beliefs on issues, thus thwarting the communication process ♦ Differences in Socioeconomic status: - Individuals who are seated in certain economic status may communicate among themselves using certain words, codes, jargons which may prove difficult for other individuals from other economic groups to interpret and respond. ♦ Unresolved conflict between sender and receiver: - Just imagine having an unresolved conflict with your friend. Any efforts at communication can prove very difficult as anything said can be easily misinterpreted. This situation quite often leads to a breakdown in communication. ♦ The receiver’s mistrust of the sender: - An individual may choose not to hear information being communicated by another on the grounds that the person sending the message cannot be trusted

because of previous experience where the sender had transmit inaccurate or false messages. ♦ Technical factors such as the interruption in electricity supply, power surges and failure of equipment (transformers, satellites, audio visual equipment) that are used to transmit messages. ♦ Geographical factors such as mountains, forests and weather may affect reception resulting in poor communication. Differing weather conditions such as heavy rains, floods, hurricane may aid in the uprooting of electrical and telephone poles, thus preventing the use of certain kinds of communication technology. ♦ The use of inappropriate form of communication: - When choosing the form of communication, one has to think carefully of the intended audience, as the form chosen should prove appropriate for the intended receiver. For example, the use of radio to reach someone who is deaf is deemed inappropriate. ♦ The use of too many technical jargon in speech: - Have you ever been engaged in a conversation where the sender made extensive use of technical jargon or high sounding terms with the intent to impress you? If yes, at the end of it all, I am sure you would agree that it was a waste of valuable time as the message being put across to you was not understood. The over use of technical jargon often impede the communication process.

How the Regional Mass Media can Help to Promote Regional Integration

MASS MEDIA The Mass media is divided into: Print media and Electronic Media Print Media:

Electronic Media:

Mass media also function in the following areas: 

Act as watchdogs for the society



Expose wrong doings in the society

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Serves as a medium for public expression

Task: Discuss the points listed above.

NEWS AGENCIES News Agency – An organization that supplies news or information to subscribing newspapers, television stations, magazines and broad casting companies.

News agencies play a very important role in the transmission of information throughout the Caribbean. Caribbean media houses rely heavily on them for news outside as well as inside the region; therefore, there lies the need for good journalism. In an effort to ensure good journalism, media houses: 

Contract experienced journalists who engage in investigative journalism;

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Make extensive use of telecommunications equipment;

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Present facts without malice, misrepresentation or sensationalism;

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Write and edit stories before publishing.

These are just a few of the many things that media houses carry out to ensure accurate reporting.

NEWS AGENCIES IN THE WORLD

Caribbean Media Corporation The Caribbean Media Corporation is an organization that employs journalists, reporters and photographers that are stationed in several countries; whose responsibilities are to collect, write and edit information for transmission to media houses in the Caribbean. These news agencies also purchase foreign news from international agencies.

Important Roles of Caribbean Media Agency The Caribbean News Agency: ♦ Fosters Regional unity through reporting on events and issues that occurs on regional soil; promoting regional pride ♦ Reduces the cost for regional communication agencies in collecting foreign news

♦ Serves to promote the local Caribbean Culture by providing information to international media houses ♦ Provides an easy access to getting news ♦ Keeps the Caribbean community informed of international news that has effects on world politics, economy, financial, environmental, social and other important areas.

Role of Radio and television Radio The primary role of radio is communication. In fact, radio is the world’s most widely used media form. Two of its most primary purposes are to inform and entertain. Radio allows for communication of information and entertainment over long distances, which makes it one of the perfect mediums for mass communication. Radio is interactive in nature as it has the capacity to provoke dialogue because of the varying issues aired, thereby soliciting the participation of the local population through call in programs or letters. Notice carefully, radios can be found just about anywhere – in a car, bus, truck, back pack, food container, in the pocket, on a phone, and I can almost safely say that there is not a house that exist without a radio. Television Some basic purposes television serve: 

Television is a convenient source of cheap entertainment;

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It exposes people to new developments in arts, education, technology and science;

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It offers company to those who are without family and friends;

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It provides an outlet for creative talents;

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It appeals to all senses;

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It brings those cultures that were once distanced right into your living room (space).

Regional mass media and regional integration The mass media can be used as a vehicle to bring the Caribbean people together in the following ways: 

Merge regional media houses and allow for the free movement of media workers throughout the Caribbean;

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Engage in joint production of programmes – thus facilitating the sharing of ideas, thoughts and feelings of the Caribbean people;

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Preserve and project our Caribbean identity by promoting the way of life of the Caribbean people;

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Organize Regional Festivals that call upon and require the creative energy of individuals throughout Caribbean territories; and

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Promote Regional competitions in arts, sciences, education and technology

Challenges over Cultural Penetration and Development of the Region The mass media affect all areas of our lives. One cannot underestimate the power of the mass media as it encourages people to modify their beliefs, attitudes and behaviour pattern, be it negative or positive. In essence, most of what we do is influenced by the mass media. Many of the challenges we face today in the Caribbean, inclusive of social, political, economic, health and educational ills are as a result of the penetration of the global mass media on the Caribbean society. In a more positive sense, the global mass media makes way for a constant interplay between cultures of the world and such allows for positive development, but there arise problems when the Caribbean culture becomes subsumed by that of more powerful nations.

Let us look at how different modes of communication affect our Caribbean identity, attitudes, behaviour, perception and our regionalism

Television Many of our Caribbean people have access to cable television that airs programs that portray lifestyles and values of developed societies, some of which are deemed inappropriate for our Caribbean people. These may include, but are not limited to, violence, nudity and promiscuity. Conversely, there are programs aired that mirror lifestyles and values of developed regions that may spur motivation to improve one’s lifestyle and standard of living in the developing country. They influence our Caribbean people to adopt those lifestyles. The result is a non appreciation for our own Caribbean culture. Most of the television programmes aired originates mainly in North America where the focus is on American values, news and issues. Look at our Caribbean people; listen to how they speak, who they emulate, how they dress, and the music they listen to. Does it reflect the true Caribbean spirit? This brings into sharp focus the idea that the Caribbean culture becomes subsumed by the more powerful nation. It must be noted that television programmes sometimes negatively affect the creativity of the Caribbean people as advertisers are more likely to sponsor foreign programmes rather than local programmes because the masses are more likely to view those foreign programmes as oppose to the local Caribbean programmes. The advertising of popular foreign products by television stations has influenced local consumers to purchase foreign goods as substitutes for local produce. This affects the economies of the region as there is a decline for locally produced goods, thus resulting in a fall out in revenue earning powers for the local manufacturers. Importantly, the television helps to keep the family together.

The diagram above highlights the forms of ownership of mass media in the Caribbean.

Exploring the forms of ownership of mass media in the Caribbean

Cultural Heritage The Caribbean people share a rich and dynamic cultural heritage which has been transmitted from generations to generations, mainly through oral

traditions, speech and song. The Caribbean culture has been passed on through cultural groups, artists, mass media and institutions.

The many different art forms that exist in our Caribbean society have served as channels of communicating and transferring our cultural heritage. These art forms are divided into two categories: 

The Visual Arts – photographs, pictures, drawings, sculptures and architecture



The Performing Arts – Story telling, drama, music, dance

A scene from Stable Theatre’s March Production “Once on this island”, highlighting Caribbean oral tradition.

Transfer of cultural heritage through Cultural groups Different cultural groups have used their art form to communicate cultural heritage in the Caribbean. Many cultural groups, in collaboration with Caribbean governments have organized festivals and shows with intent to preserve our unique and distinct Caribbean identity and also to educate and develop a sense of culture pride in the younger generation. Popular festivals held in the Caribbean include CARIFEST, Crop Over and Carnival. Carifesta stands for Caribbean Festival of Arts. Its varied programmes include exhibitions, displays demonstrations, concerts, recitals, discussions, pageantry, plays, an amusement park and youth village. This festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Region and at the same time gives recognition to its outstanding artists and art forms. Activity: Identify at least three cultural groups that can be found in your country and assess their role as cultural agents.

Transfer of cultural heritage through Institutions Institutions are necessary for preserving and transferring our cultural heritage. Paramount among those institutions is: 

Museums: Display and store historical and cultural artifacts for the public. They also interpret material evidence and associated information for the public benefit. In essence, the museums provide an ideal learning environment that offers active hands on participation or passive observation (Hein, G.E, 1998).

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Archives: Stores public records and records of historical and cultural value and makes them available for the public viewing.

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Art Galleries: These institutions collect, preserve, study and present important pieces of local art work for public viewing.

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National Trusts: Ensure that artifacts and other historical items such as pictures, buildings are preserved and exhibited in museums. Mass Media – transferring our cultural heritage

The mass media has a tremendous role to play in promoting and transferring our cultural heritage. These can be achieved by: 

Allotting adequate air time or space to programmes that highlight the local culture of the Caribbean people;

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Creating programmes that allow for interaction among the audience to share their views on the Caribbean culture;

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Exchanging local programmes with other regional media house;

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Hosting and airing competitions that require participants to have in depth knowledge of their culture;

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Making financial contributions to the production of local cultural shows.

The role of the Government in preserving and transferring our cultural heritage

The government is responsible for the day to day operations of the country; hence, they have the awesome responsibility of ensuring that measures are put in place to ensure the continuity and practice of its culture. The following are efforts of the government in preserving and transferring our cultural heritage:

There are many other roles that the government plays in transferring our cultural heritage. Can you think of any other? List them here.

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2.

Collaborating with artistes on cultural ventures

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4.

Allowing for free movement of performing artists within the region

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6. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Functions Let us begin this chapter with an activity. You have been exposed to the following terms in objective one. To test your knowledge, match the term on the left with its correct meaning in the box on the right.

Regulating the Mass Media The mass media is very important to the society; yet, it can also abuse its freedom. It is in this vain that the governments in collaboration with professional media associations have draft legislations that seek to regulate the media to protect the privacy and reputation of individuals, protect the security of the state, prevent sedition and most importantly, to promote good morals. The following regulatory practices are imposed by the Caribbean governments to ensure that the rights of the citizens are preserved: a. Licensing – Individuals or companies are required to acquire a license from a government ministry, before they can set up a radio or television station or publishing house. Foreign radio and television stations likewise have to acquire the license issued by the government to relay radio or television signals. b. Censorship Boards – These boards comprise members representing different occupations and interests. Their responsibility is to examine and remove the whole or parts of a book, reports, broadcasts, films and letters on the grounds of immorality or threat to national security. The following are criteria used by the censorship board to rate films: -

P.G. Parental guidance required

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R- Restricted

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U- suitable for persons of any age

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X-rated – not to be viewed by persons under age eighteen

c. Broadcasting Commission – This commission establishes the code of conduct which governs the duties and functions of the media. In essence, they act as a watch dog for the society. d. Legislation – broadcast legislations are enacted to prohibit the transmission of any material deemed profane, indecent or information that may incite violence against any group. If a media house contravenes these regulations, then they stand the chance of being fined or have their license revoked. The following are ways in which the professional associations aid in regulating the mass media: 

Self-regulatory associations/bodies – these associations set guidelines/code of ethics in relation to fairness, accuracy, impartiality in reporting, respect for individual’s privacy, and the promotion of and respect for public morals to promote high standards of journalism. They also provide opportunities for ongoing training for its members and carry out investigations into complaints levied against their members so as to enforce the necessary disciplinary action.

Editing – Media houses in an effort to ensure honest and unbiased reporting employs qualified editors.

This is a legally registered word or symbol used by manufacturers or sellers to distinguish their goods or service in the market place. Can you identify with any of the following trademarks?

These trademarks are registered and so prevent other manufacturers or sellers from using the same sign, symbol or word.

A copyright is the exclusive right granted to the author or creator of an original work, including, but not limited to the right to copy, distribute and adapt the work. Copy right laws afford the creators of literary, musical and artistic works a form of monopoly on the use of their works – no one except the creator, has the right to copy, distribute, adapt their work or collect payment from the reproduction and distribution of their work. There are two categories of rights under the copyright law for creators of literary, musical and artistic work: 1. Economic rights – those rights that gives the copyright owner the opportunity to make financial gains from the exploitation of his/her literary, musical or artistic work. Copyright owners make financial gain when the following occurs: - The copying or reproduction of the work , e.g. reproducing a printed page by handwriting etc - Making an adaptation of the original work, e.g. the translation of a literary piece in another language

- Communicating the work to the public by way of public performances, broadcasts or displays; - Issuing copies of the work to the public; and - Suing any person who reproduces the work without permission.

2. Moral rights - these rights are different from economic rights because it is concerned with protecting the personality and reputation of the author/creator. Moral rights gives the author/creator of literary, musical and artistic work the right to be identified as the author/creator of the work and the right to object to derogatory treatment of the work which amounts to distortion or alteration which negatively affects his/her reputation as an author/creator.

In the past, copyright laws only applied to the copying of books, however, over time, the need arise to protect and cover a wider range of work including: 1. Paintings 2. Photographs 3. Motion pictures 4. Sound recordings 5. Maps 6. Dramatic pieces 7. Computer programs

Assignment: Conduct a research into the procedures that must be followed for a work to be copyrighted.

Patent is a set of exclusive rights given by a state to an inventor or their assignee to protect them against unauthorized use of their inventions for a limited period of time. There are conditions that must exist for the invention to be patented: 1. The invention must be novel – not known to the country before 2. The invention must be useful In Jamaica, for example, in order to obtain a patent, one must make a petition to the Governor General. Once the state grants the Patent, the inventor is given the monopoly to use his/her invention within the country, excluding others the right to use, make or sell it. Under the Patent Act of Jamaica, a Patent lasts for 14 years.

Consumer Affairs 

Consumer - Any individual or institution that uses goods and services

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Budget – A plan/ statement outlining a consumer’s income and expenditure for a specific period.

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Budgeting – The process of balancing income with expenditure

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Saving – the unused portion of the income of an individual, business or government

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Goods – Any product that can be used to satisfy some desire, needs or wants.

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Services – Intangible products that are not goods such as Education, Medical Treatment, Transportation, Banking etc...

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Demand – The amount of goods which consumers are prepared to buy at a given price at any given time.

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Supply – The quantity of goods and services which sellers put on the market at a given price

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Disposable Income – the money remaining for an income earner to spend on goods and services after taxes and other compulsory payments have been deducted.

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Income – The payment one receives for ones services, labour, property or investments.

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Investment – The act or process of using one’s money to buy bonds, shares, mutual funds, stocks, life insurance, and land in an attempt to make a profit in the future.

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Bonds – Long-term loans to a government or business

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Ownership – Exclusive right to enjoy, occupy, possess, rent, sell, use, or even destroy an item or property

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Pricing – Fixing a money value to a thing to be bought or sold.

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Marketing – The act of engaging in activities that educates consumers about goods and services in order to persuade them to buy them.

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Thrift – the wise and careful use of money and possessions in order to get the maximum benefits from them.

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Credit union – a financial institution owned and controlled by its members with the purpose of providing credit/loans at competitive rates and offering other financial services to its members.

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Black market – A system used by people to illegally buy and sell goods that are otherwise scarce, banned or difficult to get hold of.

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Hire purchase – A system or method of buying goods through making regular installments while enjoying the use of the goods. However, ownership of the goods does not pass to the buyer until full payment of the loan.

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Dumping – the act of a manufacturer in one country pricing a product below its cost of production in another country.

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Electronic Commerce (E-commerce) – transactions in which consumers and businesses order and pay for goods and services on the internet.

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Securities – are usually negotiable financial instruments representing financial value, for example, bonds, common stocks, shares and treasury bills.

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Dividend – A share of profits issued to share- holders

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Exchange rate – The value of the money of one country compared to the money of another country.

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Devaluation – an official reduction or substantial drop in the exchange value of a currency by lowering its value relative to the currencies of other countries.

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Inflation – The persistent rise in the prices and cost of goods and services

Categories of consumers

Let us explore the three main categories of goods:

- can be categorized as free, economic, consumers’ or producer’s goods.

♦ Free goods - These are goods that are available in unlimited quantities and do not command a price; sunlight, air, rain, water are all examples.

Have you ever paid to have your shoes, toys, clothing or any item repaired? What about taking the bus to school? If you answered yes to any of the above, then you would be classified as consumer of services. In essence, we could therefore surmise that a service is work done to satisfy a need or a want. As mentioned earlier, consumer goods come in the form of consumables and durables. Those durable goods quite often need to be repaired and therefore, the individual(s) who do the repair is providing a service. In the same breath, we oh so often make regular checks to the doctor, dentists, hair salon and even more often sits before a teacher. When we do these things, consider yourself as making use of valuable services. So, can you make a listing of other valuable services you have made use of? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Credit is basically acquiring things before actually paying for them. Puzzled? Let us break it down!! When one makes an arrangement with a seller that makes it possible for the individual to buy a good or service and pay for it later, then he is considered a consumer of credit. Get it!!! We do not always have the needed cash to pay for an appliance, buy a car or a house etc, hence, individuals may obtain loans to buy the car, enter into a mortgage to purchase the house or enter into a hire purchase agreement to buy the appliance. Acquiring goods through any of the above means therefore means that the individual is consuming credit.

Personal Loans – Loans are sums of money that has to be repaid in regular installments with interest. Loans most time takes the form of cash, but also may be in the form of overdraft. Loans are usually obtained from institutions such as banks, finance corporation or credit unions. Note however that there are some basic criteria that one must satisfy in order to be qualified for a personal loans, the varying institutions usually draft their own criteria.

Credit Card – A small plastic card issued by a financial institution which enables the consumer to purchase goods and services or pay bills electronically without paying cash or a cheque at the point of purchase. All credit cards are so designed that when swiped in a machine, it is instantly linked by a telephone line to the card holder’s bank. Each card holder is entitled to a specific amount of credit from the bank, hence, if the credit limit is exceeded, the card will automatically declined. If the card is accepted at the point of transaction, a statement will be issued, requiring the holder of the card to sign receipt of the credit. The value of the purchase will then be automatically credited to the seller’s account. It is important that one be aware that interest will be charged to the credit card holder if the monthly balance on the account is not paid on or before the due date.

Hire purchase agreement – This is a contractual agreement between two parties; a)

the hirer – the person who takes the goods for use

b)

the owner – the person who lends or rent the goods.

Under this arrangement, the consumer hires a good for a fixed period of time by paying a deposit on the good and agrees to pay the balance of the purchase price with the interest in regular installments over a period of time. The goods become the property of the hirer upon full payment for them.

There are advantages and disadvantages attached to utilizing this service. For point of discussion, outline and discuss three advantages and disadvantages in its use.

Factors which influence consumers demand for googs and services 

Size of income: It is no surprise that the size of the consumer’s income will influence the demand for goods and services. There is direct corelation between an increase in the level of income and an increase in the demand for goods and services. The consumer’s disposable income plays a major role in determining what to buy and in what

quantity. As a consumer income rises, the result will more than often be a rise in consumption as the consumer will be able to buy more.



Taste patterns: demand heavily rely on the taste patterns of people. A change in taste will bring about a change in the demand for goods and services. In Jamaica, many of the people has a overwhelming taste for jerk chicken, if the consumers develop a greater taste for barbecued chicken, then the demand for jerk chicken will decrease and an increase for barbecued chicken. Hence, the taste patterns of the consumers heavily influence the demand for goods and services.

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Savings: A consumer who is committed to savings will always think twice before spending. It is therefore safe to surmise that one’s saving pattern affects his/her demand for goods and services. A consumer committed to savings will be more a tuned to buying the necessities needed for everyday survival , rather than spending randomly.

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Credit facilities and conditions: The presence of credit facilities will influence the customer buying decision and afford him /her the opportunity to purchase goods and services on credit without having to consider his/her financial constraints or low income.

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Fluctuations in supply: Expectations of consumers regarding the supply of goods also influence their demand. If consumers anticipate a shortage in supply due to some reason, the demand for the goods will rise. Contrarily, if consumers expect an increase in supply, the demands for the good will fall.

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Pricing: Pricing is one of those most important factor that influences demand for goods and services. It is a general attitude for the demand for a particular good or service to increase when the price falls, contrastingly, if the same price for the said goods and services increases, the demand for the commodity contracts. This is however not a general rule as it relates to pricing and consumer demands.

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Advertising: Advertising provides information to consumers particularly through the mass media. Consumers are therefore treated to an array of choices about goods and services. Advertisement therefore increases the demand for goods and services through its persuasive nature and creates demand for new products on the market by providing valuable information to the public. Advertising is one of the most effective tools used by manufacturers/producers to increase the demand for their goods and services.

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Consumer Expectations: Consumer’s expectation, regarding future prices of goods and services influence their demand to a large extent. If consumers anticipate an increase in the prices of goods and service due to some reasons, the demand for those goods and services will rise to avoid more prices in the future.

Consumers use the following modern technology to conduct business transactions: ♦ Tele-banking; ♦ ATM; ♦ E-commerce; ♦ Internet banking; ♦ Debit and credit cards.

Tele-banking: Some customers cannot be bothered with going into a financial institution to transact businesses, instead, they make use of the telephone to check on account balances and last transactions, transfer funds between accounts, make credit card payments and make payments of bills. This service offered by financial institutions constitutes.

ATM – automated teller machine. These are computerized telecommunications devices that make it possible for the clients of financial institutions to perform financial transactions in public space twenty four hours a day without the need for a bank teller or cashier. ATMs are also called automatic banking machines (A.B.M).

Individuals who hold an ATM card issued by their banks are identified by inserting the plastic ATM card with a chip that contains a unique card number with security information. The user upon inserting the card into the machine will be required to enter his / her Personal Identification Number(PIN) which will then allows the user to access his/her account. The ATM affords the customer the following benefits upon accessing their bank accounts:     

Cash withdrawals Deposit money to account Credit card cash advances Purchase pre-paid cell phone credit Check in on account balances

E- commerce: This has become and becoming a booming trend in today’s society. Electronic commerce is not merely confined to financial and commercial transactions of buying and selling products or services over the internet and other computer networks. Its goes much further to include the processes of developing, marketing, selling, delivering , servicing and paying for products and services over electronic systems – internet and other computer devices. Consumers are making extensive use of this modern technology because of its 24-hour availability and global reach, right inside their home.

Internet banking: This is a system that allows customers to conduct financial transactions on a secure website operated by their virtual bank, building society or credit union.

There is a steady increase in internet/online banking because customers can: 

Check their balance – this allows for the customer to check on his/her account balance at any time, making him/her aware of how much money is at his/her disposal. This service is made available to members of financial institutions after signing up with the institution for online banking.



Transfer funds: Some customers open different types of accounts connected with their online banking services. They may have a checking account and a savings account. Here the customer can transfer funds between the accounts at anytime without interference from the human resource (bank teller). The customers navigate through the accounts and select the transfer button which will open up an application that will lead the customer through the process.

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Pay Bills: Online banking presents a great convenience for customers to set up accounts and add the relevant account numbers and addresses of their respective billers so that they can send whatever amount they owe.

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Pay credit card bills: Customers sometimes make use of the online banking service to pay their credit card bills in an effort to circumvent the process of going into the bank.

Debit Cards: These are plastic cards issued by financial institutions to their customers for easy access to their bank accounts. Debit cards allow for instant withdrawal of cash, usually from an automated teller machine located in public places. These cards are also used to make purchase of goods and services by swiping the card in a machine at the retailer; unlike the credit cards, the goods or services paid for using debit card is transferred immediately from the card holder’s account.

Credit Cards: A small plastic card issued by a financial institution which enables the consumer to purchase goods and services or pay bills electronically without paying cash or a cheque at the point of purchase. All credit cards are so designed that when swiped in a machine, it is instantly linked by a telephone line to the card holder’s bank. Each card holder is entitled to a specific amount of credit from the bank, hence, if the credit limit is exceeded, the card will automatically declined. If the card is accepted at the point of transaction, a statement will be issued, requiring the holder of the card to sign receipt of the credit. The value of the purchase will then be automatically credited to the seller’s account. It is important that one be aware

that interest will be charged to the credit card holder if the monthly balance on the account is not paid on or before the due date The governments have established agencies to protect and educate the consumers, some of which include, but not limited to: 

Prices commission;

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Bureau of Standards;

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Food and Drugs division;

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Fair trading commission;

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Consumer Affairs division;

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Public Utilities board;

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Public Health Division.

What do they do in protecting the consumer?

Prices Commission: This organization has specific roles to play in protecting the consumers against unfair pricing by manufacturers and business owners. The government saw it necessary to control prices by: ♦ Fixing the maximum percentage whole sale and retail mark up on some basic food items and basic consumer durables; ♦ Informing the consumer through mass media or other official gazette on the controlled prices; ♦ Training price control inspectors to monitor the controlled prices; those found in breach will be prosecuted. This department has the authority to set ‘cap’ prices on goods if demand and supply conditions are such that consumers may have to pay exorbitant prices.

Bureau of Standards: This organization is primarily concerned with setting standards that will benefit and serve the best interests of the consumers. Some of those standards include, but not limited to:

The compulsory standards for labelling and packaging of goods outlined by the Bureau of standards include: ♦ Label must be in English; ♦ Brand name of product clearly identifiable; ♦ Indicate size, weight; ♦ Show contents or composition of the product; ♦ Name and address of the manufacturer.

The Bureau of standards seek to protect the unsuspecting consumers by making checks on products that are sub-standard entering the country, resulting in hundreds of products being disposed of before reaching the shelves.

The compulsory standards for labelling and packaging of goods outlined by the Bureau of standards include: Label must be in English; Brand name of product clearly identifiable; Indicate size, weight; Show contents or composition of the product; Name and address of the manufacturer. The Bureau of standards seek to protect the unsuspecting consumers by making checks on products that are sub-standard entering the country, resulting in hundreds of products being disposed of before reaching the shelfs.

Consumer Legislation Locally Produced Goods and Services The Caribbean is known to be one of the largest importing regions in the world. The governments of the Caribbean countries have realized this and the crippling effect such is having on the region’s economy, hence, campaigns has been launched to reduce the importation of certain products and replace them with locally produced goods. For example, Jamaica has launched a campaign entitled “grow what you eat and eat what you grow”. This is in response to the high importation of certain products that can be locally grown. This is also a thrust to protect their local domestic markets and to encourage local consumers to use locally produce goods and services as oppose to imported ones.

It has become increasingly important for the Caribbean countries to reduce their high level of importation and start to produce more using local physical and human resources, such will reap the reward of: 

Increase in the production of local goods, hence creating a market for export thereby earning needed foreign exchange;



Greater employment opportunities through utilizing our local resources;

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Greater self sufficiency – the fact that the Caribbean countries will be producing what they need will reduce the dependency on foreign markets;

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Increase in foreign exchange savings- the money spent on importing goods would be reduced , hence, savings would be inevitable;

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Improvement in the quality of life;

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And there are many more benefits.

The Caribbean governments have come together and have put in place a policy to combat the high importation of goods, this policy bans or reduces the importation of certain goods from the extra-regional countries and replaced them with locally produced substitutes, and such is termed Importation substitution.

This policy came about because the Caribbean was facing the following economic problems:

We can all therefore surmise that import substitution is a measure aimed at replacing a foreign item with a local one - substituting an imported good with a local one.

Import Substitution Measures Import substitution is a measure aimed at controlling competitive imports and protecting the local manufacturers, thus restricting imports and forcing consumers to buy more locally produced goods. The following measures are imposed: 

Import duties – These are taxes charged on imported goods which are intended to make them more expensive , thus making the cost of the local items more attractive;



Quotas/Licensing impositions – The government can periodically restrict the quantity of particular goods that importers are allowed to import during specific period. Those importers have to apply to the government for license to import goods into the country, thus giving the government the opportunity to track and control the quantities of imports;



Negative List – A negative list contains items of goods that have been prohibited from entering the country. Citizens are barred from importing goods on that list on the grounds that they may be of inferior quality. It has been reported that foreign manufacturers use the Caribbean at times as a dumping ground for the goods that they want to get rid of;



Devaluation – This has the effect of restricting imports by reducing the purchasing power of the local dollar on international markets. Devaluation therefore means that imports will be more expensive and exports cheaper, thus reducing the demand for imported goods;



Exchange Control – This has the direct intervention of the government where they instruct the commercial banks not to sell any foreign exchange at all or only a fixed amount to importers to pay for

Other Agencies

Food and Drug Division of the Ministry of Health:This is the monitoring agency of the ministry of health that monitors aspects of the importation, manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and deception in marketing and disposal of food and drugs. They test new food items, drugs and cosmetics to find out if they are safe for human consumption before being put on the market.

The Fair Trading Commission: The primary roles of this commission is to administer and enforce laws relating to utility regulation, consumer protection and fair competition. The following are responsibilities of the Fair Trading Commission in two countries:

Jamaica:

The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) is the administrative body responsible for implementing the Fair Competition Act (FCA). The functions of the FTC include the following: 

To carry out, on its own initiative or at the request of the Minister or any other person, investigations in relation to the conduct of business in Jamaica in connection with matters falling within the provisions of the FCA;



To advise the Minister on matters relating to the operation of the FCA;

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To make available to the businesses and consumers, general information with respect to their rights and obligations under FCA;

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To undertake studies and publish reports and information regarding matters affecting the interests of consumers; and

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To co-operate with and assist any association in developing and promoting observance of standards of conduct for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the FCA.

Barbados: Consumer Protection The division serves as one of the guardians of consumers’ rights. Officers of the division provide public education awareness, investigate consumer’s complaints and seek amicable resolutions where possible. The division also monitors any promotional material released by businesses. Fair Competition Under the Fair Competition Act the division seeks to promote and maintain competition by investigating and prohibiting anti-competitive practices and by

informing businesses and consumers about the importance of effective competitor. Utility Regulation The Utility Regulation Division regulates two utility companies – Cable and Wireless (Barbados) Ltd and The Barbados Light and Power Company Ltd. The division oversees rates and service standards and investigates queries and complaints

Consumer Affairs Division: This division is established by the government to inform, educate and empower consumers to protect themselves in the market place. The following are effective ways in which the division attend to and protect the rights of the consumer: ♦ Provide complaint resolution services and assist consumers in getting redress; ♦ Run vibrant consumer education programmes , informing them of their rights; ♦ Engage in market research; ♦ Initiate action for consumer legislation based on consumer complaints and observances; ♦ Mediate between the consumers and business sector so as to promote fair trading practices.

Public Utilities Board: This is a regulatory authority with a statutory mandate to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates by fixing the prices which are charged (electricity, water and telephone). The board has the awesome responsibility of monitoring utility service and responding to customer complaints.

Public Health Division of the Ministry of Health: This division is responsible for protecting and promoting the health of the citizens. They look after the conditions under which food is prepared and sold to the public. Their general responsibility is to certify persons involve in the preparation and sale of food and drink.

How do they ensure that the consumer’s health is protected? Answer: ♦ They ensure that those who are running and working at food retail outlets are knowledgeable in all aspects of food handling; ♦ They issue licenses to food outlets after premises are inspected to ensure basic amenities are present such as running water,, toilet facilities, spacious and clean kitchen area; ♦ They check to see that operators or workers engage in the preparation of food and drink are not suffering from communicable diseases; ♦ They do periodic visits , usually unexpected by operators of food retail outlets, and check to see if the premises conforms or meet the sanitary guidelines outlined.

It is important to note that the inspectors authorized by the Public health division of the ministry of health has the authority to close down those food outlets that do not satisfy the sanitary guidelines crafted by the Public health department.

Consumer Protection

There are varying devices used by manufacturers or suppliers to exploit consumers. The following are some of those devices and knowing about them will reduce the likelihood of such to happen to you:



False Claims on Advertisement – Manufacturers will do just about anything to have their products sold, advertisement is one sure way of luring customers to their shelves. This they do by making claims in the advertisement that is very enticing such as making their products more that what they actually are. The customer who falls to such advertisement eventually realize that all the claims mentioned in the advertisement is far from the truth. This constitutes false claims on advertisement.

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False ‘Sales’ – This scheme is devised with the intention of having the consumers purchasing goods or services that they do not really need. This is done by offering reduced prices on goods and services, when the sale price might still be higher than the price before the sale was announced.

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Black – Marketing – This is an unfair act where goods with ceiling prices established by law are sold above the control price.

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Hoarding – In a situation where goods are in short supply, sellers remove the scarce goods from the shelves and sell to consumers who are willing to buy above certain amount. This practice sometimes influences price increase.

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Bait-and-switch – Consumers suffer exploitation when sellers intentionally advertise goods at a low low price and upon enquiry of the said goods, are informed that they are no longer in stock, thus giving the seller an opportunity to persuade the consumer to buy a substitute, usually at a higher price.

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES RIGHTS

RESPONSIBLITIES

Right to safety- protection from products and services that can prove harmful to the consumer’s health

The consumer has the responsibility to use the products and services safely, following all necessary instructions and guidelines

Right to Choose – to access a variety of goods and services at competitive prices

The customer has the responsibility to choose wisely

Right to be informed – the right to information that ensures that all product statements are accurate and truthful

The customer has the responsibility for analyzing and using information about products wisely

Right to consumer education – to have access to programs and information that help make better buying decisions.

The customer has the awesome responsibility of learning about the changing nature of products

The right to be heard- by government in the creation of laws

The consumer has the responsibility of expressing concerns to those who can help

and regulations that may affect the consumer Right to a healthy environment- to live and work in an environment that does not endanger their health

The consumer has the responsibility of making choices that minimize the environmental impact of their purchase on others.

Ways consumers practice thrift in the Caribbean The residents of the Caribbean communities have always been encouraged to become thrifty consumers in an effort to get more and value for their money. The response towards this practice has been overwhelming, as we have seen a proliferation of advertisement encouraging this practice. Let us explore the following terms before advancing into further discourse on this important matter:

Shopping wisely for goods and services Caribbean families have adopted good shopping and spending practices in order to become shifty. Good spending and shopping habits will go a far way in helping the consumers to get the maximum benefit from their money. Let us go shopping! 

Distinguish between needs and wants;

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Before going shopping, make a list of the goods you need so as to avoid impulsive buying;

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Make a budget and carry a pencil and or calculator to ensure that you remain within your budget;

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Avoid shopping too late , instead shop early in the morning so as to get the best in perishable foods;

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If possible, buy items in bulk;

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Check carefully the weighing and measuring equipment to ensure you get the quantity that you paid for;

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Watch the cash register at the check out counter and take time to count your change properly;

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Ensure that you collect your receipts and warranties on goods in the even t that the good is faulty and you want redress;

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Check expiry dates on goods before purchasing them;

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Compare prices;

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Avoid too much credit as a result of impulsive buying;

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Carefully examine goods and their packaging to ensure that they have not been damaged or tampered with;

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Ensure that as you shop, you save a portion of your income for unforeseen expenditure.

Remember, a thrifty consumer save more, get value for their money become more responsible and enjoy a better standard of life.

Use and Care of Possessions A thrifty consumer understands the concepts of using wisely and caring for possessions; the lack thereof will lead to continuous replacement and depletes the disposable income available. Hence, consumers are advised to use and maintain possessions properly by following the manufacturer’s instructions for the care and use of the items.

Conservation and Recycling

Conservation and recycling are two very important tools employed by thrifty consumers. In fact, every unique member of the family, children and parents, ought to explore conservation and recycling strategies at home and in their neighborhood to avoid wastage. The following are strategies that can be employed in and around the home: In the Kitchen 

Use cloth napkins and table cloths instead of paper;

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Use leftover foods to create tasty dishes and fabrics to make décor;

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Reduce wastage of utilities by ensuring that pipe taps are properly secured, turning off taps when not in use and unplugging electrical wires when out of use;

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Buy a set of plastic cups and dishes for ‘outdoor’ so you don’t have to buy paper plates and cups for outdoor parties;

In the Bathroom 

Purchase and use toilet paper that is made from recycled content;

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Install a showerhead and toilet that conserve water;

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Depends on what you are doing, if washing, use a container to hold the water so as to avoid wastage.

Dining/Living/Family Room 

Use scrap paper or waste paper to write notes or take message;

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If you are printing or copying something for personal use, which does not have to be clean and immaculate, consider using the flip side of an old document or letter you got in the mail;

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If you are writing a research paper, letter or some other important school paper, do your proof reading and spell check on the screen before printing the document. This is a sure way of avoiding wastage of material;

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Purchase recycled paper and office supplies such as toners which can be refilled instead of buying a completely new one;

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Pass on used clothing to younger siblings;

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Maintain possessions in the room by properly following the manufacturer’s manual for care and service.

On the Streets 

Drive your car at or below the speed limit to conserve fuel

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Check to ensure your car tires are filled to the appropriate pressure as stipulated by the manufacturers or user manual.

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Service vehicle as recommended by the car specialist

It is important that as consumers, we plan an outline of our income and probable expenditure for a period of time. This is a good example of thrifty behavior. The governments likewise have to make a budget for the financial year of their countries. Effective Budgeting: 

Consider income in relation to needs;

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Examine various expenses and then determine those to which greater priority should be given;

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Separate needs from wants;

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Dedicate a portion of income to savings;

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Live within your income;

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Record revenues and expenses;

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Deposit sizeable savings to meet future planned and unforeseen expenses.

The real solution to a life of prosperity is learning to live within your means, it doesn’t matter much if your salary is big or small. If you follow the simple rules listed above, then you can begin to enjoy life at its best.

The society and thrifty behavior: Consumers are encouraged to exercise thrifty behaviours because such has a far-reaching effect not just on the family, but on the society on a whole. Thrifty behavior minimize the wastage of the country’s precious resources as individuals employ better conservation and recycling measures in and around the home.

Business people often seek to exploit the consumers, but with increase knowledge and thrifty behavior, such will be controlled or limited and the government will have fewer complaints to deal with.

Benefits of saving People have recognized the need to save, as such; they have utilized the following forms of savings:

Can you add to the reasons people save? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Good job!!

Benefits of savings to the country: 

The increased savings can be used to help finance the economic development of the country;



The government can better able to cater to the less fortunate as more persons are able to cater to their own personal needs;

Can you think of other benefits of savings to the country? Get into groups and make a listing of those benefits.

Benefits of credit union to consumers

A credit union is a financial institution formed, owned and controlled by a group of people who share a common bond such as residence in the same community and membership of a particular profession or an organization. The main purposes of a credit union are that of saving money regularly together and lending money to one another when needed. The savings of each member is called shares, and it is from those funds loans are made to members. Members have easier access to loans because of their membership. Interestingly, at the end of the financial year, after cash has been deducted for the operating expenses and the reserve fund, the remainder of the money earned is paid back to members as dividends on their savings and interest refund on their loan payments. The interest, which is refunded on loan payments, is called patronage refund. The interest rate on loans in a credit union is far lower than that offered by commercial banks because interest is calculated on the monthly unpaid balance instead of the sum borrowed. The credit union relies on the pooling of funds by members, through the purchase of shares, to operate its business and in the same manner; the credit union depends on volunteers from within its membership to serve as

officials or committee members. This therefore means that the policies framed come directly from the members who communicate their suggestions, concerns and comments, usually at the annual general meetings. These principles therefore ensures self reliance.

Strategies for devaluation and inflation on consumers The Caribbean countries have been experiencing rapid devaluation and inflation in its economy. The evidence is clear, look around you! Look at the constant increase in the prices of goods and services (inflation) and look at the amount of money the country has to pay for imports (devaluation)!

The following strategies could be pursued in an effort to deal with the problem: 

Home gardening – produce more of their own food rather than purchasing everything.

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Explore self employment such as identifying and offering a needed good or service in their neighbourhood or community – lawn maintenance, baby sitting, small business, etc.

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Reduce expenditure to – this speaks to purchasing things that are necessary – needs, as opposed to buying that which is wanted (something you can do without).

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Practice recycling of household products/items.

Tourism 

Tourism: the movement of persons from one place to another, either for business or pleasure.

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International tourism: the movement of a person outside his/her own country of residence e.g. a person who travels from Trinidad to the United States

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Regional tourism: the movement of a person within his/her region e.g. a person who travels from Jamaica to Barbados

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Domestic tourism: the movement of a person from his/her home to another part of the country e.g. a person who lives in Castries, St. Lucia visiting the Pitons in St. Lucia

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Excursionist: a cruise ship passenger who does not stay in hotels or other accommodations. This person sightsees at ports of call during the day, and sleep on the ship at nights.

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Tourism Sector: this term refers to that part of country's economy that is directly or indirectly affected by tourism.

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Economic linkage: where one economic sector provides the requirements for, or is linked to, another economic sector. The money earned in the region remains and is spent in the region.

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Economic leakage: the proportion of money spent by tourists which does not stay in the country visited.

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Tourism product: a product is defined as anything which is produced, manufactured or made available to satisfy the needs and wants of consumers. The tourism product therefore refers to all the facilities and amenities which have been made available by nature and man. These products provide tourists with a variety of experiences.

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Nature tourism/Eco-tourism: caters to those who want to observe animal and plant life in rainforests, mangroves, bird sanctuaries and the sea bed.

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Sports tourism: offers visitors the opportunity to participate in marine and landbased sporting activities.

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Health tourism: facilities which help tourists to relax and recuperate from illnesses, health resorts and special spa facilities near mineral springs, for example, in Dominica, Grenada and St. Lucia.

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Heritage/ Cultural tourism: for those who want to experience the culture and the history of the destination such as indigenous festivals, music, food, dances, art, language and dress. Archaeological and historical buildings and sites, monuments and museums also form part of this product.

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All inclusive: when a tourist pays a lump sum for a number of tourist products at the country of purchase.

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Timeshare: entails purchasing an apartment or room in a country and sharing its use at an agreed time and duration of the year.

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Marketing tourism: the process of selling of goods and services related to tourism. This could be done by pooling funds from different businesses to create a major impact - for example, the use of travel agencies and airlines of a particular theme all at the same time. It can also be achieved through brochures, magazines, newspaper, television and radio.

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Host country: the country which hosts or accommodates the tourists through the sharing of land, facilities, infrastructure and culture.

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Supply country: the country from which the tourists come from.

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Home port: Port from which a cruise ship loads passengers and begins its itinerary, and to which it returns to disembark passengers upon conclusion of voyage

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Tourism – the act of travel and visiting places. It includes private travel for holiday and recreation purposes but also business travel. It is also concerned with the provision of services to support this leisure travel.

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International Tourist – a tourist who travels outside of the geographical region of his/her country of residence.

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Regional Tourist – A tourist who travels from one country to another within the geographical region in which he/she lives.

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Domestic Tourist – A tourist who travels within his/her own country spending at least one night away from his/her normal place of residence.

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Excursionist – An individual who spends less than twenty – four hours in a country and does not necessarily sleep in the country.

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Cruise passengers – These are persons travelling on a cruise ship

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Tourist Industry – The range of organized activities which have been developed to satisfy the needs of the tourist.

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Tourism Sector - That distinct part of a country’s economy which is directly or indirectly affected by the tourist industry.

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Economic Linkage – this speaks to the volume of tourist expenditure that has contributed to opportunities in employment, foreign currency earnings and general development in the host country.

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Economic Leakage – a situation in which all of the foreign currency earned through tourism does not remain within the host country.

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Tourism product – This speaks to anything which is able to meet tourist satisfaction.

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Nature tourism – tourism involving travel to areas of natural or ecological interest to observe animal and plant life.

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Sports tourism – refers to travel which offers visitors the opportunity to either view or participate in a sporting event, whether marine based or land based.

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Health tourism – the practice of travelling across international borders to obtain facilities to help in relaxation and recuperation from illnesses. For example, health resort hotels with special spa facilities near mineral springs.

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Heritage tourism – the practice of travelling across borders to experience the culture and history of the destination; for example, indigenous festivals, music, food, dances, art, language and dress.

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All inclusive – This speaks to a situation in which a tourist is given a package deal inclusive of lodging, food and tours for one price.

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Tourism Marketing – this refers to the organized, combined efforts of the national tourist board and or the businesses in the tourism sector of an international, national or local area to achieve growth in tourism by maximizing the satisfaction of tourists.

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Host country – a country which provides facilities for and receives visitors

Types of tourism product

The Caribbean countries provide a variety of facilities and amenities, either man made or natural which provide tourists with a variety of experiences. The tourism product of the Caribbean therefore includes all the satisfaction, experiences and memories which the region offers a visitor who takes part in any of its tourism activities.

The tourism products of the Caribbean are: ♦ Sand ♦ Sea and Sun ♦ Nature/eco-tourism ♦ Health ♦ Sports ♦ Heritage ♦ Festival ♦ Special events tourism

Differentiating between the types of tourism products available in the Commonwealth Caribbean:

The Caribbean offers a sunshine paradise, complemented by the beautiful and sandy beaches with crystal clear waters that provide visitors with a sense of renewal. These are the traditional tourism products of the Caribbean.

Nature/eco-tourism

This type of tourism appeals to those tourists who want to observe a wide mix of flora and fauna in rain forests, mangroves, bird sanctuaries and sea bed.

Health Tourism

The Caribbean region has seen an increased interest by tourists in mountain resorts, health resort hotels with special facilities that aids in relaxation and recuperation from illnesses. The Caribbean governments have placed great emphasis on this product due to the growing interest, as more and more people looking beyond the cosmetic or orthopedic surgery market.

Sports Tourism Product

This product offers tourists the opportunity to participate in marine (water skiing, swimming, sailing etc) and land-based sporting activities (golf, cricket, tennis, mountain biking etc).

This product allows for those tourists who delight in experiencing the culture and history of other destinations such as music, food, dances, art forms, dress. The rich historical past has left a legacy of plantation houses, forts, and artifacts which reflect the way of life of the past generations usually prove exciting for tourists.

This product offers a diversity of opportunities for entertainment to tourists who desire to engage or enjoy the rhythms of the Caribbean – Jazz festivals, Reggae Sunfest, Carnival, Divali etc.

Factors tha influence development of tourism in the host and supply country

In this section, we will be looking at the factors that attract visitors to the host country and factors that enable people in the supply country to visit the host country.

FACTORS IN THE HOST COUNTRY The following factors influence the development of tourism in the host country: ♦ Accessibility ♦ Availability, cost and quality of tourist services

♦ Perception of safety and security ♦ Political stability ♦ Infrastructure, especially sanitation and water supply, roads, air and seaports.

Accessibility The Caribbean region is centrally located, thus making the area easily accessible by air and sea to tourists from countries to the north and south. In recognition of the strategic location of the region as a popular tourist hub, Caribbean governments have embarked on advancing their cause by investing in and owning airlines to transport visitors to the region. For example, LIAT is jointly owned by some Caribbean countries, Caribbean Airlines is owned by Trinidad and Tobago (today they have acquired the Air Jamaica fleet of airlines), Guyana Airways is owned and operated by Guyana, Cayman Airways is owned by the Cayman Islands and there are others as well. All of this is ensuring that tourists are transported to their shores.

Availability, cost and quality of tourist services The governments have a unique role to play in ensuring that tourists are given quality services upon arrival in the region. The governments have established ministries to develop policies and guidelines for the industry. Governments seek to train and educate citizens on the importance of being hospitable and providing quality services at reasonable costs to the tourists. Service is very important in the marketing of the Caribbean as an ideal destination for tourists. At all levels, from the tourist arrives in the country and having interaction with the immigration officers to the hotel workers and service providers, it is important that those persons with whom they come in contact exercise good interpersonal relations.

Perception of safety and security

The Caribbean region has a reputation as a relatively safe and peaceful area that does not pose any undue risks to visitors. These factors have served to attract tourists to the region.

Political Stability This speaks to the host countries having good governance, respect for law and order, racial harmony and healthy relationships between political parties. This atmosphere serves not only to attract tourists to the region but also to attract potential local and foreign investors to erect new hotels and restaurants to accommodate more tourists to the islands.

Infrastructures – sanitation, water supply roads, air and seaports. The Caribbean countries have made special attempts and efforts at erecting and improving the facilities needed by tourists. The governments have constructed airports and seaports to accommodate large volume of tourists to the islands. The governments have also sought to create a network of well maintained roads to enable the tourists to move about within the countries with ease and comfort. Special emphasis have been placed on ensuring healthy, clean and well kept environment with adequate and reliable electricity and water supply.

FACTORS IN THE SUPPLY COUNTRY The Caribbean region mainly attracts tourists from international sources. Let us look at factors that contribute to the tourists’ presence in the Caribbean region:

DISPOSABLE INCOME: The Caribbean community is supplied with tourists mainly from highly developed countries that have high employment rate. This affords the workers in those countries adequate disposable income which enable them to travel particularly to the Caribbean on earned paid leaves from their jobs each year.

ACCESSIBILITY / TRANSPORT: It takes a relatively short time by air for persons from North America or Europe to reach a Caribbean destination. The tourists have easy access to affordable and reliable transportation to and from the destination.

EXCHANGE RATE: The value of the currency of developed countries is higher than currencies of Caribbean countries. This favourable exchange rate makes a Caribbean vacation affordable.

CLIMATE: The Caribbean climate is warm all year round. Vacationers flock to our region to evade the freezing temperatures which limits their outdoor recreational activities.

MARKETING: The Caribbean governments forcefully market the region as an attractive destination for tourism. In doing so, the potential visitors become aware of the destination and all that it has to offer.

Contribution of land based and cruise tourism The following are ways in which tourism affect the economy of the Commonwealth Caribbean:

Let us lead a discussion on those areas of economic impact: [] Foreign exchange earnings – The Caribbean countries earn most of its foreign exchange from tourism. The importance of tourism to the Caribbean Commonwealth Community cannot be over emphasized as the foreign exchange earned through this arena is used to pay for imports of goods and services and for the repayment of international loans.

[] Direct Employment – Tourism provides direct employment for thousands of workers in the hotel industry and other tourism related enterprises such as restaurants and night clubs.

[] Indirect employment – This type of employment is created through linkages with the agricultural, transportation, construction, distribution and general

services sectors. These areas employ individuals who provide tourists with the desired comfort and relaxation.

[] Government Revenue – The Caribbean Commonwealth countries receives much needed revenues from tourism through taxes levied on goods and services purchased by tourists, head and departure taxes on visitors, fees such as landing fees for aircrafts and berthing fees for cruise liners and import duties on items imported for tourists.

[] Relationships between expenditure on infrastructure in resort areas – The Caribbean governments invest heavily in the resort areas. This has seen steady improvements in the infrastructure in those regions that has the effect of boosting or attracting foreigners. These improvements in infrastructure do not only benefit the tourists, but residents who live in and around those areas.

[] Effect of tourism development on availability of land for agriculture – Prime agricultural lands are utilized for tourism facilities such as golf courses, site attractions and resort developments. This practice reduces the amount of land available for agricultural production.

The types of employments and career occupations in the tourism industry are rather varied. The Caribbean community has made use of those opportunities.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The workers in the tourism industry can be unionized. The unions represent the workers for fair wages, job security, fringe benefits, holidays, opportunities for promotion and other related benefits.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED FOR EMPLOYMENT Tourism workers needed to obtain certain academic qualifications and skills before entering the industry. The table below highlights a few of those prerequisites for entering specific fields in the tourism industry.

Position in the hotel Tourism Industry PILOT

Qualifications

Five CXC (CSEC) subjects including English A, Mathematics and science subject for entry into the Aviation training

programme; structured aviation training, pilot license.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Secondary Education with at least one foreign language, training in communication technique, emergency procedures, catering and food preparation.

DIRECTOR OF TOURISM OF A GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Individual must obtain a university degree and has administrative experience

TOUR GUIDE

Sound knowledge of local geography, history and customs. ( fluency in languages would prove advantageous)

HOTEL MANAGER

University degree and experience in management

OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAINING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP The following regional organizations provide training for tourism workers: [] The University of the West Indies Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management; [] The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Human Resource Development Unit; [] The Council of Heads of Caribbean Hospitality Schools; [] The Caribbean Hotel Association’s Caribbean Hospitality and Training Institute.

Further training for tourist workers are spear headed by hotel schools and hospitality units at community colleges level to ensure that the workers meet the needs of the tourism industry.

Hoteliers also have a key role to play in the training and quality of workers in the industry. Hoteliers contribute by: [] providing scholarships and study leave for employees to obtain further training locally or abroad; [] making financial contributions to institutions engaging in the training of hotel workers to meet the demand of the industry; [] encouraging their workers to attend retraining courses to update and upgrade their skills; [] organizing continuous on-the-job training for new recruits.

TOURISM AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP The tourism industry provides many opportunities for small investors to become involved in it. The industry provides opportunities and avenues for those interested in servicing the industry through training, offering and making available information on financing and loans, and channels to pursue for the development of businesses in guest houses, restaurants, bars, transport and recreational services.

Impact of tourism on the physical environment

It is the physical environment of the Commonwealth Caribbean countries that attract tourists to their shores; nevertheless, this industry contributes to depletion in the quality of those very same physical resources that attract them to the host countries. Let us look at some of those pressures which the growing tourism industry put on the physical environment:

Look carefully at this picture. What is happening in it? Yes! It showcases the destruction of the physical environment for the purpose of meeting the growing demands of the tourism industry. This activity is prominently carried out in Caribbean countries to facilitate the construction of luxurious hotels and roads on elevated areas. This activity removes or reduces the aesthetic appeal of the area while at the same time increasing the likelihood of soil erosion and further destroying the habitat of the indigenous and endangered wild life.

Beaches: Hotels, for tourism purposes, are constructed relatively close to beaches and such increases the possibility for the dumping of waste into the beaches, contributing to beach erosion. Tourism has contributed to the dredging of harbours and the reclamation of land to build or extend harbours. This action changes the tidal patterns and likewise causes beach erosion.

Harbour dredging

Damage to Coral Reefs: The delicate coral reefs have been damaged by the actions of tourists who board pleasure boats and yachts that drop their anchors on the reefs. Tourist divers and swimmers sometimes break off coral for the purpose of souvenir. It is important to note as well that the disposing of sewage and waste water from hotels into the sea also affects the delicate corals.

Swimming – causing damage to coral reefs.

Tourism and Conservation of Flora and Fauna

There are institutions that have a vital role to play in the conservation and preservation of our physical resources. Those include: 

Caribbean Conservation Association;

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National Trusts and

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National Parks.

The Role of the Caribbean Conservation Association The Caribbean Conservation Association exists to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations of the Caribbean by facilitating the development and implementation of policies, programmes and practices, which contribute to sustainable management of the region’s natural and cultural resources. The Caribbean Conservation Association is a movement powered by many organizations, which focuses on natural resources that exist within the ring of islands that make up the Caribbean community. It strives to protect the coral reef and the wildlife movement.

National Trusts These are usually charitable, non-profit organizations that seek to preserve the unique heritage of a country, be it historic buildings, sites, places of natural beauty or the environment. National Trusts are such institutions that safeguard the physical environment.

Impact of tourism on the socio-cultural environment

The Caribbean countries are visited by people of different nationalities and cultures. The continued interaction of these visitors with the local population has resulted in changes in the lifestyles of some of the Caribbean residents. Let us explore some of the ways in which the local residents have been affected by tourism.

Effects of tourism on land ownership, land use, natural beauty and use of beaches 

Caribbean governments have enacted legislation allowing for foreigners to own prime lands at very attractive prices. This has the effect of pushing land prices up; thus making it difficult for nationals to purchase lands because the prices exceed that which they are able to afford.

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Locals are denied access to some beaches by hoteliers in some countries as they (hoteliers) have made such beaches exclusive to tourists.

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The construction of resorts on hill sides and elevated areas, are so done, to give tourists a panoramic view of the landscape. These constructions can reduce the aesthetic value of these hillsides and further impact negatively on the wild life.

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Sometimes residents are dislocated by governments who acquire the lands on which they were living for the purpose of tourism developments such as the construction and expansion of airports, development of ecotourism sites and resort areas and road construction.

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The absent of land use policies or the lack of implementation of them enables tourism developers to buy and use prime agricultural land for golf courses, resort areas and site attractions.

Visitors’ perception of Caribbean societies One would readily assume that there must be a good perception of the Caribbean community that keeps attracting so many foreigners to the region. I agree, but I put forward the point that there is, also a “not so nice” perception of the region or aspects of the region and its people as well. So, what are some of those popular perceptions of the Caribbean societies? Visitors’ Perception of the Caribbean Societies: The Caribbean: ♦ Citizens are poor and uneducated ♦ Countries are small

♦ Is safe ♦ Has a naïve and friendly population ♦ Countries are underdeveloped with poor and inadequate infrastructure The tourist boards of the Caribbean countries have sought to influence the visitors’ perception of the Caribbean societies through active marketing of special features of the Caribbean and special achievements of Caribbean citizens to major regions of the world through brochures, magazines, videos and the internet.

Opportunities for visitors to meet Caribbean people There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the Caribbean people. Infact, tourism is serviced by the Caribbean people at all levels: ♦ Hotels, restaurants and bars ♦ Public beaches ♦ Festivals and cultural shows ♦ Shopping malls ♦ Entertainment centres and at sporting events These are just few of those avenues through which visitors get an opportunity to mingle with the Caribbean people. It is also through interaction with the locals that visitors’ perceptions of the Caribbean countries are changed.

Relationships between citizens and visitors, citizens and returning nationals There could be conflict and tension between some citizens and some visitors for the following reasons: ♦ Visitors are perceived to be enjoying privileges which some residents are not allowed to enjoy and cannot afford to enjoy in their own country, for

example, access to some beaches, hotels and resort areas. This creates animosity between visitors and locals. ♦ Some visitors show lack of respect and understanding for local culture; ♦ Visitors can be isolated from the locals in all inclusive hotels; ♦ Visitors are perceived to be wealthy and may be robbed or exploited; ♦ The quality of service which is offered to the visitors is not always satisfactory; ♦ Returning nationals annoy and frustrate residents when they constantly criticize the standards in their native country by comparing them with standards in their adopted country;

Attitudes of citizens to tourism Citizens’ attitudes to tourism may range from indifference to enthusiasm to alienation. The following factors dictate to the attitude demonstrated by citizens:

Effects of tourism on artistic expression and other aspects of traditional culture

Tourism plays an important role in creating employment for people in the creative and performing arts and the handicraft industry. Tourists usually purchase souvenirs in the form of paintings, pieces of sculpture and handicraft items. This demand helps to revitalize the local arts and craft market industry. Commercialization of local culture – The local craftsmen and artists has been creating works for purely commercial purposes. The work no longer reflects their ideas, beliefs, feelings and true creativity. They create things for sale to the tourists. Performing artists are also guilty of taking serious aspects of the local culture and presenting it to the tourists for purely entertainment purposes.

Government policies which influence the development of tourism

The governments are aware of the benefits to be gained from investing in tourism; they therefore have developed policies to direct this industry. Government Polices Meeting Infrastructure Requirements – Governments finance the construction of airports/seaports, medical facilities and sewage treatment systems to accommodate the large volumes of tourists that visits the Caribbean shores; Providing a well trained workforce – establishing hospitality institutes with qualified staff to train nationals for the wide range of jobs available in the tourism industry; Addressing environmental concerns – making and passing legislation's that reduce pollution, protect coral reefs, providing beach controls and enforcing penalties for illegal dumping. Addressing social problems – passing legislation's that ensure a safe and secure environment where tourists are protected from crime and harassment; Creating a favourable investment climate – providing incentives for foreigners and locals to invest in the construction and maintenance of hotels and other costly tourism products;

Establishing an overseas marketing and promotional presence in key markets – Establishing and maintaining tourism offices in potential foreign markets and providing staff and funds for advertising and promoting destination Education – Educating the general population on the importance of tourism to the development of the economy. The policies are not limited to those mentioned above.

The contribution of agencies in the development of tourism The role of local agencies in the development of tourism:

The tourist board tries to educate the local communities on the importance of tourism to the country’s economy and on opportunities available to them in the industry through active dialogue and advertisements.

The role of regional tourism organizations The Caribbean Tourism Organization This organization carries out the following roles in ensuring the development of tourism in the Caribbean: ♦ Monitors the industry’s performance in the region by carrying out market research and analyzing the trends in the industry; ♦ Communicate those findings to policy makers; ♦ Collaborates with other regional tourism agencies; ♦ Provides education and training for tourism workers; ♦ Promotes public awareness of the industry; ♦ Encourages its member countries to promote the sustainable development of tourism.

The Caribbean Hotel Association The Caribbean Hotel Association is the regional body which represents the interests of private entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry such as owners of hotels and guest houses, travel agents, airlines and suppliers of goods and services to hotels and restaurants. This organization offers the following services to its members: ♦ Maintaining a database of available accommodation in the region; ♦ Marketing of tourism products to the global community; ♦ Provision of training for jobs in the tourism sector through the Caribbean Hospitality Institute; ♦ Granting of scholarships to deserving candidates to pursue courses in the hospitality industry; ♦ Provision of technical services in environmental management for the sustainable development of tourism.

Hospitality Institutes The Caribbean hospitality training institute provides training in the following areas: ♦ Marketing of tourism ♦ Hotel management ♦ Catering ♦ Chefs ♦ Tour guides ♦ Events management ♦ Financial management

Each Caribbean country develops and maintains their local hospitality institutes that serve the interests of the tourist industry in the particular country.

Role of donor Agencies There are a number of regional and international financial institutions that have been supporting the development of tourism in the Caribbean by providing loans or making worthwhile donations. Here is a peak look at some of those institutions: ♦ Caribbean Development Bank – assists the borrowing member countries by mobilizing the financial resources from both within and outside the region. This institution directs loans with long grace and repayment periods from medium and large tourism projects.

♦ The European Investment Bank and the Commonwealth Development Corporation – Plays a great role in helping to finance the development of the region’s tourism industry through grants and soft loans. There are other institutions that make donation to the industry, these include, but not limited to ♦ Canadian International Development Agency

Challenges facing tourism development in the region The following are constraints affecting the development of tourism in the Caribbean:

- It is no secret that most, if not all the Caribbean countries suffer from a shortage of capital needed to direct investments. This shortage has affected the overall development of the tourism industry because the infrastructures

needed to lure visitors to the islands prove lacking. However, the donor institutions offer loans to the region to offset some of the infrastructural needs.

- Marketing and promotion are important in making tourists, travel agents, tour operators and travel writers aware of and interested in the destination. These activities are severely costly and as such, the lack thereof has placed heavy constraints on the development of tourism in the Caribbean.

- Up to date, detailed information on the industry’s performance which may be important in influencing investment in the industry may not be available , hence, the stakeholders in the industry may not be able to effectively plan to maximize the potential benefits of tourism.

- In some islands, the hotel owners have to resort to recruiting managers from overseas because of the shortage of qualified local hotel managers. There are other countries that have to resort to bringing in trainers from abroad or

sending their staff abroad for training because of the shortage of or lack of hospitality training institutions.

- The fear generated by this global trend of terrorism has put a damper on the enthusiasm of people to go on vacation. This is further compounded by the lengthy delay that tourists have to undergo at customs and immigration checkpoints because of this threat and such proves very uncomfortable. The Caribbean governments are also forced to employ additional intelligence and security personnel to eliminate the threat of terrorism within their countries. It is very expensive to employ these new securities and so this put further constraints on the islands’ drive to develop tourism in their respective areas.

- Some of the Caribbean countries lack direct air access from their major tourist generating markets on account of the fact that there are no scheduled carriers servicing the route and sometimes, the island’s airports are not big enough to accommodate the larger aircraft.