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.

Explore the basics of the barter system, a method of exchange used before money was invented. Learn about economic activity in the Virgin Islands culture and how African influences shaped the local economy.