Economic Systems: Barter System

Barter System

• Barter system is an old method of exchange, used for centuries before money was invented.
• It involves direct trading of goods, services, and resources without using money.

Economic Activity in the VIR Culture

• The tropical climate and topography of the Virgin Islands are similar to those of the African continent.
• African foods were better able to grow in the territory, and were incorporated into the diet of slaves and present cultural foods.
• Examples of African foods include okra, spinach, pumpkin, yam, pigeon, peas, and cucumber.
• European foods, such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats, were unsuitable for growing in the tropical climate.
• African women cooked on the plantations, and their cooking traditions were passed down.

Economic Activity Fishing

• Endangered species are species that are very likely to become extinct.
• Closed season is a period of the year in which the hunting of particular types of animals, such as birds or fish, is not allowed.
• Fishing regulations are in place to protect marine animals, including lobsters, conch whelk, and wigs, which are endangered species.
• Specific closed seasons are in place for certain species, such as lobster-conch whelk (July 1 to August 31), Margate (June 15), Nassau grouper (April 30), and Red hind (February 15).

Economic Activity Tourism

• Tourism involves traveling to and staying in places outside of one's usual environment for not more than one consecutive year.
• Tourism can be for leisure, business, or other purposes.
• Types of tourists include domestic tourists, who travel within their own country, and regional tourists, who travel within a defined region.
• Most tourists come to the country from the United States of America, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean region, and other countries.
• In 2019, the total number of tourists was 295,841, with 24,390 from the USA, 8,648 from Canada, and 38,619 from South America and Europe.
• Many people in the country have jobs related to the tourism industry, including tour guides, bartenders, Marina guides, lifeguards, captains, hotel workers, charter chefs, park workers, and immigration officers.